Gas supply warning and communication system

ABSTRACT

A fluid supply warning and communication system including a digital regulator in fluid tight engagement with a primary fluid reservoir. A method of using the fluid supply warning and communication system by flowing a fluid from a primary fluid reservoir to an end use appliance and detecting flow rate and pressure of the fluid with a digital regulator. A gas supply warning and communication system including an oxygen flow monitor that monitors SpO2, flow rate, pulse rate, and battery levels. A method of using the gas supply warning and communication system by flowing oxygen from a primary gas reservoir to an end use appliance, and measuring SpO2, flow rate, pulse rate, tank status, and battery levels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to an alarm device to warn ofand remedy malfunctions in a pressurized gas system and morespecifically to communicate malfunction warnings to remote users, and toallow remote users to control the alarm device.

2. Background Art

Pressurized gas systems are used in respiratory therapy, in medicalprocedures and testing, in the breathing apparatuses of divers andfirefighters, and in such industrial fields as welding, heating,ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), and plumbing. It is importantto provide users of these systems with an alarm to indicate that thesupply of gas has been or is about to be exhausted, or that the flow ofgas has been interrupted. Pressurized gas alarm systems indicate theseconditions by means of audible alarms, alarm lights, and the like. Suchalarms are especially critical in medical gas uses, where a patient'slife may be threatened by the interruption of the flow of oxygen orother gas. In a medical setting, a warning alarm must be perceived notonly by the end user of the gas, who may be an incapacitated patient,but also by caregivers, who may be at sites remote from the end user. Itis therefore desirable to provide electrically powered alarms, whosewarnings can be communicated over distances by wires or by wirelessbroadcast systems.

A typical pressurized gas system includes at least one gas reservoir,such as a cylinder, tank, or canister to store gas, usually at highpressure. The term “gas reservoir” also includes low pressure gassources such as oxygen concentrators, and other gas sources which do notrequire regulators. A pressurized gas system also typically includes aregulator to allow the gas to flow into a gas line at a constant reducedpressure, and at an appropriate flow rate. The term “pressurized gassystem” is defined to include a reservoir, such as a pressurized gascylinder or an oxygen concentrator, a regulator, if present, and alllines which conduct the gas, and the end use appliance such as a mask,cannula, tent, incubator, or torch. The term “downstream” is defined asthe direction of gas flow away from a cylinder or other reservoir.

Typically, a gas cylinder includes a main valve and cylinder connectorto which a regulator is attached. When the cylinder valve is opened,pressurized gas is admitted into the regulator. Regulators typicallyinclude at least two valves. A pressure valve maintains a constant userselected pressure downstream of the cylinder. It maintains that pressureas tank pressure decreases and downstream demand changes, typically bymeans of a diaphragm-controlled valve. A flow valve, downstream of thepressure valve, regulates the flow rate of gas out of the regulator. Itis the flow valve that directly determines the flow rate of gas into adownstream appliance.

There are two types of malfunctions that can cause a loss of gas flow ata downstream appliance. The first cause is the exhaustion of gas in thecylinder. Cylinder pressure alarm devices exist in the prior art toprovide an alarm indication when a gas cylinder has been exhausted, orwhen gas pressure in the cylinder has fallen to a predetermined limit.These alarm devices generally include a cylinder pressure sensor thatactuates an electronic or mechanical alarm when cylinder pressurereaches a minimum set point. These devices sense gas pressure at a pointdownstream of the cylinder valve and upstream of the pressure valve ofthe regulator. It is in this region that tank pressure can be reliablysensed when the cylinder valve is open. Such devices are disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 6,209,579 to Bowden et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,040,477 toSchiffmacher, U.S. Pat. No. 6,137,417 to McDermott, and US PatentApplication Publication No. US2010/0097232 to Lee et al.

A cylinder pressure sensor, however, is ineffective at detecting thesecond type of gas flow malfunction: malfunctions that occur in the gaslines downstream of the flow valve of a flow regulator. These downstreammalfunctions include the disconnection of a gas line from the flowvalve; the disconnection of two joined gas lines; the disconnection of agas line from an appliance; a leak in a gas line or appliance; andblockages, such as a clog or kink in a gas line.

Cylinder pressure alarms cannot react to these downstream malfunctions.Their pressure sensors are isolated from pressure and flow conditions inthe downstream gas lines by at least the pressure valve and flow valve,and in some cases by additional intervening valves. Cylinder pressurealarms are also inapplicable to oxygen concentrators.

Alarm devices which monitor gas flow rate have the potential to detectmalfunctions occurring downstream of a regulator, and also to detectdepletion of a pressurized gas cylinder or other reservoir. They arealso potentially applicable to oxygen concentrators and other devicesthat employ fans or compressors to generate a gas flow. Disconnections,leaks and blockages, are detectable by gas flow detectors as reductionsin gas flow rate by a gas flow sensor located downstream of themalfunction. Disconnections and leaks can also be detected by gas flowsensors upstream of the malfunction, as increases in gas flow rate,which reflect the decreased gas flow resistance caused by adisconnection or leak. The depletion of a gas cylinder or other gasreservoir is also detectable by a gas flow detector situated downstreamof a regulator. Even though a regulator buffers the downstream gas linesfrom changes in cylinder pressure, the near or complete exhaustion ofthe cylinder will of course produce detectable reduction in gas flowrate downstream. Alarm devices which monitor gas flow are alsoapplicable to oxygen concentrators and other devices that produce gasflow by means of fans or compressors, rather than by means of apressurized cylinder.

A gas flow alarm device exists in the prior art, but it cannot warn ofall malfunctions occurring downstream of a regulator, or of thedepletion of a pressurized gas cylinder or other reservoir. U.S. Pat.No. 6,386,196 to Culton discloses a gas flow alarm to detect thedetachment of an oxygen line from an oxygen cannula, or between twosegments of oxygen line. The alarm consists of a coupler with a proximalend accepting an upstream oxygen line and a distal end connecting to adownstream oxygen line or cannula. The coupler includes an audiblealarm, in the form of a whistle at the proximal end. The whistle isnormally occluded by the downstream line but is uncovered when the lineis disconnected. Upon disconnection, the uncovered whistle, powered bythe gas flow from upstream, emits an audible alarm tone. The coupleralso includes a visual indication of flow, a small propeller, enclosedin the coupler, which rotates in the gas flow.

The alarm device disclosed by Culton can only sound an alarm in responseto a disconnection downstream of the alarm device itself. It cannotsound an alarm if there is a disconnection, leak, or blockage upstreamof the alarm device, or if the gas reservoir becomes exhausted. Thesemalfunctions all cut off the gas flow which powers the whistle. Theduration of the whistle alert is also limited by the amount of gasavailable to power the whistle. Furthermore, the whistle can only beperceived by those in the immediate vicinity of the alarm. Should a gasflow malfunction occur upstream of the alarm disclosed by Culton, theonly warning is the cessation of rotation of the small enclosedpropeller. This cessation is perceivable only by individuals who happento be scrutinizing the propeller at the time of malfunction. This hardlyqualifies as a warning.

There is a need for a gas flow warning alarm that can detect the gasflow malfunctions at any point downstream of a gas reservoir, detectscylinder exhaustion, and produces an alarm indication that is autonomousof gas pressure and perceivable at remote locations and without constantscrutiny of the alarm device. A warning alarm device that detects gasflow malfunctions downstream of a regulator flow valve has oneshortcoming. It can provide little advance warning of exhaustion of agas cylinder or other pressurized gas reservoir. Because a regulatormaintains constant flow, exhaustion of the cylinder can be detected onlyat the point where cylinder pressure has fallen to the point where gasflow ceases. A device that senses cylinder pressure upstream of aregulator pressure valve can be set to provide an alarm at apredetermined pressure, which can be set high enough to provide advancewarning of depletion.

When the pressure of a gas reservoir such as an oxygen cylinder doesdrop below a predetermined limit, there may be no one available toperceive an alarm indication or to exchange a depleted cylinder for afresh cylinder. There is therefore a need for a device thatautomatically opens a reserve gas cylinder into a pressurized gas systemin response to a pressure alarm indication.

In systems wherein an oxygen concentrator serves as the primary gasreservoir, malfunctions are best detected as a reduction in theconcentration of oxygen in the output stream. This malfunction cannot bedetected by a drop in pressure or gas flow, but rather by analysis ofthe output stream by an oxygen analyzer. There is a need for a devicewhich detects a reduction in oxygen output by an oxygen concentrator andautomatically opens a reserve oxygen cylinder to temporarily supplementor replace the output of the oxygen concentrator.

A pressurized gas system often requires monitoring by remote users, thatis, parties not directly connected to the system or in its immediatevicinity. Remote users include caregivers of patients on oxygen systemsand homeowners whose homes include utilities fueled by propane oranother gas fuel. There is a need for a warning, communication, andcontrol device that enables remote users to monitor and control apressurized gas system.

A common cause of malfunction in a pressurized gas system is thedislodgment of flexible gas tubing from the outlets or connectors towhich they are affixed. Disconnection is usually caused by inadvertentapplication or physical force or a transient overpressure at an end ofthe tubing. There is a need for a flexible tube end that grips an outletor connector and resists dislodgment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for a fluid supply warning andcommunication system including a primary reservoir pressure monitormodule in fluid tight engagement with an outlet of a primary fluidreservoir, for sensing primary reservoir pressure in a pressurized fluidsystem, and generating a primary reservoir pressure error signal inresponse to sensing a reservoir pressure data violative of at least onepredetermined pressure limit. The primary reservoir pressure monitormodule is in fluid tight engagement with a first upstream path fordirecting fluid from the primary fluid reservoir, the primary reservoirpressure monitor module not in fluid or mechanical engagement with thechangeover/reservoir pressure monitor, the primary reservoir pressuremonitor module including: a primary reservoir pressure sensor formeasuring the fluid pressure of the primary fluid reservoir, andgenerating the primary reservoir pressure data.

A reservoir pressure error signal generator is in operative connectionwith the primary reservoir pressure sensor, for generating the primaryreservoir pressure error signal in response to the receipt of reservoirpressure data violative of at least one predetermined pressure limit. Apressure monitor microprocessor is in operative connection with theprimary reservoir pressure sensor and the reservoir pressure errorsignal generator, the pressure monitor microprocessor receiving theprimary reservoir pressure data from the primary reservoir pressuresensor, and the primary reservoir pressure error signals from thepressure error signal generator, a pressure monitor transceiver inoperative connection with the pressure monitor microprocessor, forelectronic communication with a compatible central transceiver situatedat the communications/flow monitor module, the pressure monitormicroprocessor routing the primary reservoir pressure data and theprimary reservoir pressure error signals to the pressure monitortransceiver for transmission to the central receiver.

A communications/flow monitor module is in electronic communication withthe primary reservoir pressure monitor module, for receiving the primaryreservoir pressure error signal and in response transmitting a reservoirchangeover signal to a changeover/reservoir pressure monitor module influid tight engagement with a reserve fluid reservoir in the pressurizedfluid system. The changeover/reservoir pressure monitor module includesa reservoir changeover device in mechanical engagement with a main valveof the reserve fluid reservoir, the changeover/reservoir pressuremonitor module actuating the reservoir changeover device to open thereserve fluid reservoir to the pressurized fluid system upon receipt ofthe changeover signal, the changeover/reservoir pressure monitor modulein fluid tight engagement with a second upstream path for directingfluid from the reserve fluid reservoir, the first and second upstreampaths both in direct fluid tight engagement with the communications/flowmonitor module, the communications/flow monitor module including acentral microprocessor in operative connection with said centraltransceiver, the central microprocessor receiving the primary reservoirpressure error signal from the central transceiver and in responsegenerating a reservoir changeover signal, the reservoir changeoversignal being routed to central transceiver for transmission to achangeover transceiver situated at the changeover/reservoir pressuremonitor module.

A digital display displays at least one of pressure, fluid flow rates,and percentage fluid in the primary fluid reservoir and the reservefluid reservoir, and a user interface includes input buttons for settingalarms, the central microprocessor additionally in operative connectionwith the digital display, the central microprocessor driving the digitaldisplay to show a reservoir pressure value transmitted from a sourceselected from the primary reservoir pressure monitor module and thechangeover/reservoir pressure module. A digital regulator is included influid tight engagement with the primary fluid reservoir.

The present invention provides for a method of using the fluid supplywarning and communication system by flowing a fluid from a primary fluidreservoir to an end use appliance and detecting flow rate and pressureof the fluid with a digital regulator.

The present invention also provides for a gas supply warning andcommunication system including: a communication/oxygen monitor module indirect gas tight engagement with a first upstream gas path from aprimary gas reservoir, in direct gas tight engagement with a secondupstream gas path from a reserve gas reservoir, and in gas tightengagement with a downstream gas path toward at least one end useappliance, a changeover/reservoir pressure monitor module including areservoir changeover device in mechanical engagement with a main valveof the reserve gas reservoir, and in electronic communication with thecommunications/flow monitor module, wherein the communication/oxygenmonitor module includes an oxygen flow monitor.

A digital display displays at least one of pressure, gas flow rates, andpercentage gas in the primary gas reservoir and the reserve gasreservoir, and a user interface includes input buttons for settingalarms. The oxygen flow monitor monitors SpO2, flow rate, pulse rate,and battery levels.

The present invention also provides for a method of using the gas supplywarning and communication system by flowing oxygen from a primary gasreservoir to an end use appliance, and measuring SpO2, flow rate, pulserate, and battery levels.

The present invention also provides for a gas supply warning andcommunication system including a communication/oxygen monitor module indirect gas tight engagement with a first upstream gas path from aprimary gas reservoir, in direct gas tight engagement with a secondupstream gas path from a reserve gas reservoir, and in gas tightengagement with a downstream gas path toward at least one end useappliance, wherein the communication/oxygen monitor module includes inan oxygen flow monitor having a digital display that displays at leastone of pressure, gas flow rates, and percentage gas in the primary gasreservoir and the reserve gas reservoir, and a user interface includinginput buttons for setting alarms, and wherein the oxygen flow monitormonitors SpO2, flow rate, pulse rate, tank status, and battery level.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated asthe same becomes better understood by reference to the followingdetailed description when considered in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a frontal semi-schematic view of the alarm device of thepresent invention, with front wall of housing removed;

FIG. 2 shows a frontal semi-schematic view of the alarm device whereinthe gas flow sensor and error signal generator are incorporated into aflow switch;

FIG. 3A shows a front elevation of a conduit configured to permit theinclusion of a straight gas flow switch into the present invention;

FIG. 3B shows a front elevation of a conduit configured to permit theinclusion of a bypass gas flow switch in the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a frontal semi-schematic view of the alarm device includinga microcontroller;

FIG. 5 shows a frontal semi-schematic view of the alarm device situatedon a tabletop;

FIG. 6 shows a frontal semi-schematic view of an embodiment of the alarmdevice housed in a primary and a remote housing, with communicationbetween housings mediated by a wired connection;

FIG. 7 shows a frontal semi-schematic view of an embodiment of the alarmdevice contained in a primary and a remote housing, with communicationbetween housings mediated by wireless communication, with the dashedarrow indicating a route of wireless communication;

FIG. 8 shows a frontal semi-schematic view of an embodiment of the alarmdevice additionally including a gas pressure switch;

FIG. 9 shows a frontal semi-schematic view of an embodiment of the alarmdevice including gas pressure switch, and additionally including amicrocontroller;

FIG. 10 shows a frontal semi-schematic view of an embodiment of thewarning alarm device contained in two primary housings and one remotehousing, with communication between primary housings and remote housingmediated by wireless communication, with the dashed arrows indicating aroute of wireless communication;

FIG. 11 shows a frontal semi-schematic detail view of an embodiment ofthe warning alarm device including a downstream accessory devicesituated externally to the housing of the device;

FIG. 12 shows a frontal semi-schematic detail view of the warning alarmdevice including a downstream accessory device within the housing of thedevice;

FIG. 13 shows a frontal semi-schematic detail view of the warning alarmdevice including a downstream oxygen analyzer situated externally to thehousing of the device;

FIG. 14 shows a frontal semi-schematic detail view of the warning alarmdevice including an oxygen sensor;

FIG. 15A shows a frontal semi schematic cross section, taken through thecenter of the adaptor, of an embodiment of the reservoir changing deviceof the present invention;

FIG. 15B shows a frontal semi-schematic cross section of a valve member;

FIG. 16 shows a longitudinal section of the reservoir changing deviceand an attached regulator;

FIG. 17 shows a top elevation of the reservoir changing device and anattached regulator;

FIG. 18 shows a side elevation of the reservoir changing device and anattached regulator, as viewed from a reserve gas cylinder;

FIG. 19 shows a frontal semi schematic cross section of the accessvalves of the reservoir changing device, positioned to close a primarygas cylinder and open a reserve gas cylinder to a pressurized gassystem;

FIG. 20 shows a semi-schematic overview of the structure, operation, andinformation flow in a gas supply warning, communication, and changeoversystem according to the present invention;

FIG. 21 shows a frontal semi-schematic view of a primary reservoirpressure monitor module according to the present invention;

FIG. 22 shows a frontal semi-schematic view of a communication/flowmonitor module according to the present invention;

FIG. 23 shows a frontal semi-schematic view of a changeover/reservoirpressure monitor module according to the present invention;

FIG. 24A shows a cutaway perspective view of a universal valve coupleraccording to the present invention, with the universal valve couplersimplified to show two pin channels, with spring pins in loweredposition;

FIG. 24B shows a cutaway perspective view of a universal valve coupleraccording to the present invention, with the universal valve couplersimplified to show two pin channels, with spring pins in raisedposition;

FIG. 24C shows an exploded perspective view of a reservoir changeoverdevice according to the present invention;

FIG. 24D shows a perspective view of the reservoir changeover device;

FIG. 24E shows a bottom elevation of the reservoir changeover device;

FIG. 24F shows a cross sectional view of the reservoir changeoverdevice, taken through axis A-A in FIG. 2E;

FIG. 24G shows a semi-schematic frontal view of a reservoir changeoverdevice prior to engagement with a reservoir valve;

FIG. 24H shows a semi-schematic frontal view of a reservoir changeoverdevice engaged with a reservoir valve;

FIG. 24I shows a perspective view of a changeover/reservoir pressuremonitor module;

FIG. 25 shows a semi-schematic frontal view of a communication/oxygenmonitor module according to the present invention;

FIG. 26 shows a semi-schematic frontal view of acommunication/flow/oxygen monitor module according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 27A, FIG. 27B, FIG. 27C, and FIG. 27D show a semi-schematicoverview of the structure, operation, and information flow in a gassupply warning, communication, and changeover system including avibrating bracelet;

FIG. 28A, FIG. 28B, FIG. 28C, FIG. 28D, FIG. 28E, and FIG. 28F show aflow chart of an exemplary flow monitor control routine according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 29A, FIG. 29B and FIG. 29C show a flow chart of an exemplarypressure monitor and reservoir changeover control routine;

FIG. 30 shows a gripper tube according to the present invention having aV-shaped end;

FIG. 31 shows a tube with a twist on nipple end;

FIG. 32 shows a nasal cannula with Nafion® tubes;

FIG. 33 shows a nasal cannula;

FIG. 34 shows a nasal cannula with Nafion® tubes;

FIG. 35 shows a cross-section of a gas path tube;

FIG. 36 shows a humidity filter;

FIG. 37 shows a humidity filter;

FIG. 38 shows a CPAP mask and tube;

FIG. 39 shows a CPAP mask and tube;

FIG. 40 shows a changeover tubing;

FIG. 41 shows a pulse oximeter;

FIG. 42A shows a smartphone application and FIG. 42B shows an examplemenu of a smartphone application;

FIG. 43 is a flowchart of the flow of data in the systems andapplication;

FIG. 44 shows how users can interact with the application;

FIG. 45A shows example menus within the application for an in-homepatient, FIG. 45B shows example menus for nursing home/hospitals, FIG.45C shows example menus for system owners, and FIG. 45D shows examplesof data that can be collected;

FIG. 46 is a flow chart of information between devices in the system andthe application;

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of an oxygen flow monitor with a pulseoximeter and nasal cannula; and

FIG. 48 is a screenshot view of an application detailing devices,alerts, SPO2, pulse rate, battery levels, and O2 tank levels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The pressurized gas system of the present invention include digitaldisplays and control to better and continually monitor the fluiddelivered to a patient, as well as deliver alerts and provide automaticchangeover to reserve fluid tanks when problems arise with a main tankunlike prior art systems. The pressurized gas system of the presentinvention can also use a variety of different tubing and connections forvarious purposes, as described below. A pressurized gas system isdefined as a continuous series of vessels in gas-tight interrelationshipfor conducting gas from a region of high pressure to a region of lowpressure. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the pressurized gassystem is taken to include a gas cylinder 10 or other reservoir, aregulator 12, and all gas lines 14 and appliances 16 downstream of theregulator 12, exclusive of those incorporated into the presentinvention, which is generally shown at 20.

The alarm device 20 includes a flow sensing and error signalingsubassembly 22 to sense a gas flow rate in the pressurized gas systemand to generate an error signal when the gas flow rate violates at leastone predetermined limit. Preferably the flow sensing and error signalingsubassembly 22 is configured to generate an error signal when the gasflow rate violates either an upper or a lower limit. This permitsdetection of such malfunctions as obstructions or kinks in thepressurized gas system, or of depletion of the cylinder 10, both ofwhich decrease gas flow rates downstream of the malfunction. The sensingof both upper and lower limit violations also permits the detection ofleaks or disconnections in the pressurized gas system upstream of theleak or disconnection, because these malfunctions decrease resistance togas flow, thereby increasing flow rate as detected upstream. Lesspreferably, the flow sensing and error signaling subassembly 22 can beconfigured to generate an error signal when the gas flow rate violateseither a lower or an upper limit.

The alarm device 20 also includes an indicator subassembly 24, includingat least one indicator mechanism 26 operatively connected to the flowsensing and error signaling subassembly 22 to produce a perceptiblealarm indication in response to an error signal; a power subassembly 28to provide and control electrical power to the flow sensing and errorsignaling subassembly 22 and indicator subassembly 24; and, optionally,tubular gas flow inlet and outlet conduits, 30 and 32 respectively, todirect a column of pressurized gas 34 into the flow sensing and errorsignaling subassembly 22. The alarm device also includes connectionmeans 36 such as wiring, printed circuits, and the like, as required tooperatively interconnect the components of the flow sensing and errorsignaling subassembly 22, indicator subassembly 24, and powersubassembly 28.

An example of the device of the present invention, adapted for use witha typical pressurized gas tank and regulator system for gases, isillustrated in FIG. 2. Oxygen is stored under pressure in the cylinder10. The cylinder 10 includes a main valve 38 and a cylinder connector 40to which the regulator 12 is attached in gas-tight engagement. The mainvalve 38 is opened to admit pressurized gas into the regulator 12. Theregulator 12 includes a pressure valve 42 to regulate the pressure ofgas exerted downstream of the cylinder 10. With the main valve 38 fullyopened, cylinder pressure can be sensed reliably in the regiondownstream of the main valve 38 and upstream of the pressure valve 42. Acylinder pressure gauge 44 is often interposed into the pressurized gasstream 34 in this region. The regulator 12 also includes a flow valve46, downstream of the pressure valve 42, to regulate the flow rate ofgas downstream of the regulator 12. It is the flow valve 46 thatdetermines the flow rate of gas into a downstream appliance 16, such asan oxygen mask or oxygen cannula. Gas flow rate can be sensed in theregion downstream of the flow valve 46 and upstream of the appliance 16.It is the gas flow in this region that is sensed by the alarm device ofthe present invention.

The gas flow sensing and error signaling subassembly 22 includes a gasflow sensor 48 and an error signal generator 50. The gas flow sensor 48,upon detecting a gas flow rate violating a predetermined limit, isconfigured to induce the error signal generator to generate an errorsignal, preferably in the form of an electrical current.

Preferably gas flow sensor 48 and the error signal generator 50 areincorporated into a single unit, a gas flow switch 52, as illustrated inFIG. 2. The gas flow switch 52 includes an internal cavity 54 containinga sensor mechanism (not shown) and communicating with the pressurizedgas system through a gas flow inlet 56 and a gas flow outlet 58. The gasflow inlet 56 receives the pressurized gas column 34, or a portion ofthereof, via the gas flow inlet conduit 30. The gas flow inlet conduit30 includes a downstream orifice 60 in gas-tight engagement with the gasflow inlet 56 of the gas flow switch 52, and an upstream orifice 62 ingas-tight engagement with the pressurized gas system at any pointdownstream of the flow valve 46 and upstream of the end use appliance16. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the upstream orifice 62 of thegas flow inlet conduit 30 is mounted in gas-tight engagement with aregulator outlet 64 attached to the flow valve 46 of the regulator 12.Alternatively, the upstream orifice 62 can be engaged with the gas line14 or appliance 16 at any point downstream of the regulator. If no flowvalve 46 is present, then the upstream orifice 62 of the gas flow inletconduit 30 can be in gas-tight engagement with the pressurized gassystem at any point downstream of the pressure valve 42. If no regulator12 is present, as is the case with an oxygen concentrator, a humidifier,or the outlet of an institutional gas system, then the upstream orifice62 of the gas flow inlet conduit 30 can be in gas-tight engagement withthe pressurized gas system at any point upstream of an end use appliance16.

The gas flow outlet 58 of the gas flow sensor 48 or gas flow switch 52is in gas-tight engagement with the upstream orifice 66 of the gas flowoutlet conduit 32, which conducts the pressurized gas column 34 awayfrom the internal cavity 54 of the flow switch 52. The gas flow outletconduit 32 also includes a downstream orifice 68 in gas-tight engagementwith the pressurized gas system at any point downstream of the gas flowswitch 52. In the example illustrated if FIG. 2, the downstream orifice68 of the gas flow outlet conduit 32 is mounted via a gas tightconnector 70 to a gas line 14 leading to an appliance 16.

In operation, the column of pressurized gas 34 enters the internalcavity 54 of the gas flow switch 52 via the gas flow inlet conduit 30,actuates the gas flow sensor (not shown), and exits the internal cavity54 via the gas flow outlet conduit 32.

The gas flow inlet conduit 30 and the gas flow outlet conduit 32 can becomposed of metallic or rigid plastic tubing or of flexible plastictubing. Metallic or rigid plastic tubing is preferable where the alarmdevice 20 is stably or permanently attached to a regulator or other gasoutlet, or where durability and longevity of the attachment is desired.Suitable materials include but are not limited to brass, aluminum, steelor steel alloy, or nylon, Flexible plastic tubing is preferable whereflexibility of attachment is more important than stability, or wheredurability and longevity are of lesser importance. Flexible plastictubing compositions can include for example polypropylene, silicone, andpolyethylene. It will be understood that the choice of tubingcomposition will depend in part on compatibility with the gas beingconveyed.

For metallic or rigid plastic tubing, the gas-tight connection betweenthe gas flow inlet conduit 30 and the gas flow inlet 56 of the gas flowsensor 48 or gas flow switch 52 is preferably made by a complementaryscrew threaded connection. A similar connection is preferably employedin the gas tight connection between the gas flow outlet 58 and the gasflow outlet 32. A similar connection is preferably employed in thegas-tight connection between the gas flow outlet 58 and the gas flowoutlet conduit 32. The gas-tight connections of the orifices 62 and 68of conduits 30 and 32 to the pressurized gas system up and downstreamfrom the gas flow switch 52 can by made by any gas-tight sealingmechanism known in the art, such as a locking ring and silicone orrubber seal (not shown). For flexible plastic tubing, all connectionsbetween the gas flow inlet conduit 30, the gas flow inlet 56, the gasflow outlet conduit 32, the gas flow outlet 58, and the pressurized gassystem, are preferably made by means of suitable plastic or metallicbarbed fittings, push-to-connect fittings, compression fittings, or camand groove couplings well known in the art. It will be understood thatin embodiments of the invention intended for use with oxygen, allcomponents coming into contact with oxygen will be oxygen-clean. Ingeneral, all components coming into contact with any gas or other fluidin the pressurized system will be constructed of materials compatiblewith that gas or fluid, with respect to flammability, chemicalreactivity, and toxicity.

The gas flow switch 52 or other gas flow sensor 58 can alternativelyconnect directly to the regulator 12, and to downstream points of thepressurized gas system, without the intervention of conduits (notshown).

Preferably the gas flow switch 52 is a direct flow sensing switchwherein a sensor element is situated directly in the column ofpressurized gas 34 moving through the pressurized gas system. One typeof sensor is the piston type, whose displacement by gas flow completesan electrical circuit to generate an error signal when the gas flow rateis above or below a predetermined flow rate. Preferably the gas flowswitch 52 is an FS-926 Piston Type Flow Switch (Gems Sensors, PlainvilleConn.). Suitable alternatives include but are not limited to theAmeritrol IX Series Inline Flow Switch, a calorimetric type, whichmeasures the cooling effect of a gas as it passes over a sensor(Ameritrol, Vista, Calif.). Appropriate flow rates are determined by theuser according to the type and purpose of the pressurized gas system.For a medical oxygen cannula, a flow rate of 0.25 to 15 liters perminute (0.0088 to 0.5296 standard cubic feet per minute) may beappropriate. Alternatively, the gas flow switch 52 can include, but isnot limited to, a mass flow sensor and a reed switch sensor.

The FS-926 gas flow switch is an angled body switch, that is, the columnof pressurized gas 34 makes a right angle turn as it passes through theswitch. The device of the present invention can also accommodatestraight flow switches, wherein the column of pressurized gas 34 passesthrough the switch in a straight line (FIG. 3A), and also bypassswitches, wherein only a portion of the column 34 is diverted throughthe switch (FIG. 3B). These accommodations can be made with minoradjustments of the geometry of the gas flow inlet conduit 30 and gasflow outlet conduit 32, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3.

Flow sensors employing other types of sensing mechanisms canalternatively be employed, such as paddle, propeller, vane, and shuttletype sensors, a mass flow type sensor, a reed switch sensor, acalorimetric sensor and sensors that detect flow indirectly according toupstream and downstream pressure differences, such as a Bernouli sensor(not shown). A gas flow sensor 48 separate from the error signalgenerator 50 (FIG. 1) can be included to provide greater versatilitythan the gas flow switch 52. For example, the device can include a gasflow sensor 48 producing different signals in response to abnormally lowgas flow and abnormally high gas flow. Such a sensor can providedistinctive alarm indications for a loss of gas flow, as would beexpected downstream from a gas line blockage, disconnection, or cylinderdepletion, and for high gas flow, as would be expected upstream of thedisconnection of a end use appliance 16, depending upon where the gasflow sensor 48 is located. A gas flow sensor 48 which quantitates levelsof gas flow, rather than simply detecting violations of flow limits, canalternatively be included, to provide continuous data on flow rate, inaddition to an alarm indication. One example is the FS1015 Series massflow sensor (Siargo Ltd., Santa Clara, Calif.). Another is the HoneywellZephyr™ Digital Airflow Sensor, HAF Series (Honeywell Sensing andControl, Golden Valley, Minn.). Such sensors have the greatest utilitywhen included in embodiments of the present invention that also includea microcontroller, to be described below.

The present invention includes at least one housing 72 having a top wall74, a bottom wall 76, two opposite side walls 78, and opposite front andrear walls (not shown), and defining an interior space 80. The housingcontains the flow sensing and error signaling subassembly 22 or at leastthe gas flow sensor 48 thereof, and the power subassembly 28. Aperturesequipped with bushings 82 or other securing mechanism known can be inthe art can be defined in any wall of the housing 72 to allow portionsof the gas flow sensing and error signaling subassembly 22 to protrudefrom the interior space 80 into the exterior of the housing. Potentiallyprotrusive portions include the gas flow inlet 56, the gas flow outlet58, the gas flow inlet conduit 30, and the gas flow outlet conduit 32,as illustrated in FIG. 3.

The housing 72 also contains the power subassembly 28 and the indicatorsubassembly 24. The power subassembly 28 includes a power source 84,preferably including at least one battery 86 enclosed in a batterycompartment 88 and mounted in battery clip 90, the battery compartmentbeing attached to any convenient wall of the housing 72. The voltage andcapacity of the battery will depend on the number and type of includedindicator mechanisms 26 and microcontrollers 104, to be described below.A single nine-volt alkaline battery is suitable many embodiments.Alternative power sources include, but are not limited to, built-inrechargeable NiCD or NiMH batteries, DC current, AC house currentdelivered via a DC step down transformer (not shown) and a solar cell(not shown). The power subassembly 28 also includes a master powerswitch 92 to activate and completely inactivate the alarm device 20. Themaster power switch can include any lever, toggle, or button type knownin the art, to completely activate or deactivate the device. The masterpower switch 92 can be secured by a lock and operated by a lock and key93, to prevent deactivation of the alarm device 20 by unauthorizedpersonnel. A power light 95, activatable by the master power switch 92,can be included to inform users of the power status of the device 20.

The indicator subassembly 24 includes at least one indicator mechanism26 operatively connected to the flow sensor and error generatorsubassembly 22, the indicator mechanism 26 being activatable by an errorsignal to produce at least one alarm indication perceptible to a user ora device.

Indicator mechanisms 26 can include but are not limited to an audioalarm tone producer 94 such as a bell, a mechanical buzzer, andelectronic tone synthesizer. Indicator mechanisms 26 can include avisual display 96 such as an incandescent lamp, a fluorescent tube, alight emitting diode or a liquid crystal display. Indicator mechanisms26 can include a broadcast signal transmitter 98, defined as atransmitter to communicate an alarm signal to at least one remotereceiver 100 to elicit a final alarm indication in the remote receiver.Broadcast signal transmitters 98 can include but are not limited to anradio transmitter broadcasting on AM, FM, or other broadcast radiofrequency, to communicate with a radio receiver; a telephonetransmitter, to communicate with a telephone receiver via a telephoneline or to a cellular phone or pager through a cellular phone network; awireless local area network (LAN) router to communicate with a computeror other device equipped with a wireless receiver; an Ethernet® router,to communicate with devices on the same wired LAN; a transmitteremploying the Bluetooth® protocol to communicate with a cellular phone,printer, or other Bluetooth® equipped device; a closed circuit intercombase station to communicate by wire with an intercom substation; and asignal generator to transmit a signal perceivable by a remote-controlledreservoir-changing device regulator, the signal triggering the reservoirchanging device to open a fresh cylinder 10 or other reservoir to thepressurized gas system. The remote control reservoir changing device canbe a device provided by the present invention, as will be discussed, orany other suitable device known in the art. The broadcast signaltransmitter 98 can include a pilot light 99 to indicate that thetransmitter 98 has been activated.

In operation, when the gas flow switch 52 senses a gas flow rateviolating a predetermined limit, it closes a circuit to direct currenttoward at least one of the indicator mechanisms 26, thereby actuatingthe indicator mechanism 26 to produce an alarm indication. Theelectrical connections between the power subassembly 28, the flow switch52, the indicator mechanisms 26, and all additional components describedbelow, are generally defined as connection means 40 in the Figures. Itwill be understood that particular configurations of connection meanssuch as wiring or printed circuitry will be determined by well knownprinciples of circuit design according to the type of gas flow sensor48, error signal generator 50, indicator mechanisms 26, and power source84 selected by a user.

The indicator subassembly 24 can also include a silencing switch 102whose actuation deactivates at least one activated indicator mechanism26. The silencing switch 102 permits a user to turn off an alarmindication without having to deactivate the master power of the alarmdevice 20. The silencing switch 102 can be interposed between anindicator mechanism 26 and the power source, as illustrated in FIG. 1,or it can be situated in any relation to an indicator mechanism 26 thatpermits deactivation of that indicator mechanism 26. The silencingswitch 102 is preferably a key-controlled switch to prevent unauthorizedpersonnel from silencing the indicator mechanism 26. The key control ispreferably of the mechanical lock and key type (not shown) but it canalternatively include a more complex system such as a magnetic card andswiper combination. Preferably there is operatively connected to thesilencing switch a silencing switch indicator 103, such as a lamp, whichis activatable by the activation of the silencing switch 102. Thesilencing switch indicator 103 reminds a user that an indicatormechanism 26 has been shut off.

The indicators mechanisms 26 and silencing switch 102 can be disposed inany convenient position in the housing 72. Preferably they are visibleto a user through suitable apertures or windows in the front wall (notshown) of the housing 72.

The indicator subassembly 24 can also include at least onemicrocontroller 104 operatively connected to the gas flow switch 52, orother error signal generator 50, and to at least one indicator mechanism26, as illustrated in FIG. 4. The microcontroller 104 is programmed withat least one routine activatable on receipt of an error signal from theflow switch 52. On activation, the routine commands at least oneindicator mechanism 26 to produce an alarm indication. The addition of amicrocontroller 104 to the alarm device 20 can add great variety to thealarm indications. The microcontroller 104 can be programmed withroutines to vary the sound, frequency pattern, and intermittence of anaudio alarm tone producer 94, thereby generating beeps, warbles,synthesized words, and the like. Routines can include commands to avisual display 96 to produce displays such as flashing lights, anordered display of multiple LED's, or a text message via liquid crystaldisplay. Routines can include commands to a broadcast signal transmitter98 to transmit to a remote receiver 100 a text or voice messageregarding, for example, the location of the pressurized gas systemexperiencing a gas flow malfunction. In embodiments of the warningdevice including a gas flow sensor 48 that provides quantitative gasflow data, the microprocessor 104 can include routines that command thedigital display of gas flow values. Microcontrollers 104 can bepurchased preprogrammed with suitable routines or can be programmed bythe fabricator of the warning device or by the end user. Suitablemicrocontrollers are available from Maxim Integrated Products,Sunnyvale, Calif.

The housing 72 containing the alarm device 20 can be located in anyconvenient spatial situation relative to the gas cylinder 10 and the enduse appliance 16. The housing 72 can for example rest on a tabletop,situated near the end user, such as an oxygen therapy patient (P), asillustrated in FIG. 5. Alternatively, the housing 72 can be mounted upona regulator 12 by means of a shelf, a railing, brackets, or chains (notshown). It can be mounted upon an oxygen cylinder, upon the cart of aportable oxygen cylinder, upon a flow meter, or upon a humidifier (notshown). If the warning device 20 is of sufficiently lightweightconstruction, then the housing 72 can depend from the regulator outlet64, with its weight supported by the gas flow inlet conduit 30 (notshown). The housing 72 can be incorporated into a gas regulator 12during fabrication of the regulator (not shown). Hardware and designappropriate for these situations are well known.

The present invention can be contained in multiple housings, including aprimary housing 106 to contain at least a gas flow sensor 48 and a powersubassembly 28, and at least one remote housing 108 to contain at leastan indicator subassembly 24. An advantage of a multiple housingconfiguration is the capability of situating the flow sensing and errorsignaling subassembly 22, or components thereof, in a primary housing106 situated in proximity to a gas regulator 12; and situating theindicator subassembly 24 at a site more convenient for monitoring thepressurized gas system. The remote housing 108 can include a separatepower system 28 to provide power to the indicator subassembly 24. Anexample of multiple housing embodiment of the alarm device 20,configured for a medical gas system, is illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7.The signal from the gas flow switch 52 or other error signal generator(not shown), contained in the primary housing 106, can be conveyed tothe indicator subassembly 24, contained in the remote housing 108, bymeans of a wired connection 110 to the indicator subassembly 24 or to anintermediate receiver 112 in operative connection to the indicatorsubassembly 24, in the manner of a wired closed circuit intercom ortelephone (FIG. 6). Alternatively, the gas flow switch 52 can beoperatively connected to a wireless transmitter 114 in the primaryhousing 106, which conveys a signal via a wireless connection (dashedarrow) to a wireless receiver 116, contained in the remote housing 108,and in operative connection to the indicator subassembly 24 (FIG. 7).Any known transmitting and receiving technology such as AM radiotransmission can be utilized to convey the signal.

To provide advance warning of the depletion of a gas in a cylinder 10 orother pressurized reservoir, the warning device 20 can also include areservoir pressure sensing and pressure error signal generatingsubassembly to produce an alarm indication when the gas pressure inpressurized reservoir falls below a predetermined limit. The reservoirpressure sensing and pressure error signal generating subassembly ispreferably incorporated into a gas pressure switch 124, preferablylocated upstream of the pressure valve 42 of a regulator 12, wherereservoir pressure is most reliably determined. Alternatively, aseparate gas reservoir pressure sensor and pressure error signalgenerator (not shown) in lieu of the gas pressure switch 124.

The addition of reservoir pressure sensing capability can provideearlier warning of the depletion of, for example, a medical oxygencylinder. An alarm device that senses gas flow malfunctions downstreamof the flow valve 46 of a regulator 12 does provide an alarm indicationin response to cylinder depletion, but only when depletion has becomesevere enough to affect gas flow. A gas pressure switch 124 that sensesreservoir pressure can be set to generate an error signal beforedepletion reaches that level of severity. Such a gas pressure switch124, however, must be situated upstream of the pressure valve 42, wherepressure is most reliably sensed, so it is insensitive to malfunctionsin the gas line downstream of the flow valve. 46. The combination of agas pressure switch 124, and a gas flow switch 52, situated as in FIG.8, provides warning capabilities that cover all possible malfunctionsthat can afflict a pressurized gas system.

Preferably, the gas pressure switch 124 is a commercial gas pressureswitch, most preferably the J205G/J205LG overpressure switch (WhitmanControls Corp, Bristol Conn.), which is of the electronic pressure platetype, and GEMS 3100 pressure series switches (Gems Sensors, PlainvilleConn.), which are solid state pressure switches that sense pressure bymeans of a strain gauge diaphragm. Other types of gas pressure switchcan alternatively be included, such as a spring loaded piston switch.

The gas pressure switch 124 includes an internal cavity 126 containingthe pressure plate or other sensor mechanism (not shown) andcommunicating with the pressurized gas system via a gas pressure inlet128. The gas pressure inlet 128 can be connected to the pressurized gassystem by any means of gas-tight engagement known in the art. Preferablythe gas pressure switch 124 or other pressure sensor is connected to thepressurized gas system via a gas pressure conduit 130 to expose the gaspressure switch 124 to the internal pressure of the cylinder 10. The gaspressure conduit 130 can be of any form which connects the gas pressureswitch 124 in gas-tight engagement with the cylinder 10. In the exampleillustrated in FIG. 8, the gas pressure conduit 130 includes a tubularadaptor member 132 situated perpendicular to a tubular conduit member134. The adaptor member 132 intervenes between the cylinder connector 40and the regulator 12 and includes an upstream orifice 136 in gas-tightengagement with the cylinder connector 40, a downstream orifice 138parallel to the upstream orifice 136, in gas tight engagement with aregulator 12, and a conduit orifice 140 perpendicular to the upstreamand downstream orifices, 136 and 138. The conduit orifice 140 is ingas-tight engagement with the proximal end of the conduit member 134.The distal end of the conduit member 134 includes a sensor orifice 142in gas tight engagement with the gas pressure inlet 128 of the gaspressure switch 124 or other gas pressure sensor. The gas-tightconnections between the gas pressure inlet 128 and the gas pressureconduit 130, and between the gas pressure conduit 130, cylinderconnector 40, and regulator 12, are preferably made by complementaryscrew threaded connections.

Alternatively, the gas pressure switch 125 can be engaged to thepressurized gas system at any point at which cylinder pressure can beaccurately sensed. The gas pressure switch can, for example, beincorporated into the cylinder pressure gauge 44.

Preferably, the gas pressure switch 124 and gas flow switch 52 are inoperative engagement with a common indicator subassembly 24 and a commonsilencing switch 102, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. Alternatively,the gas pressure switch 124 is in operative engagement with a separategas pressure indicator subassembly (not shown). The gas pressure switch124 can be powered by the same power subassembly 28 as the gas flowswitch 52, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, or it can be powered by aseparate power subassembly (not shown). In operation, the gas pressureswitch 124, exposed to the gas pressure of the cylinder 10 senses a gaspressure below a predetermined limit and closes a circuit to direct anerror signal to at least one of the indicator mechanisms 26 of theindicator subassembly 24, thereby actuating the indicator mechanism 26to produce an alarm indication. The indicator subassembly 24 can beconfigured to direct a gas pressure error signal and a gas flow errorsignal to different indicator mechanisms 26. In this configuration, thealarm device 20 can inform a user whether an alarm indication wastriggered by abnormal reservoir pressure or by a gas flow malfunctiondownstream of the regulator 12. This differential indication is mostreadily accomplished if a microcontroller 104 is included to issuedifferent gas flow and pressure flow error commands to the indicatorsubassembly 24, or to route commands to different indicator mechanisms26, or both. FIG. 9 illustrates an alarm device 20 capable of producingdistinctive gas flow pressure alarm indications via gas flow specificindicating devices (94A, audio, 96A, visual, 98A, broadcast), and gaspressure indicating devices alarm indications (devices (94B, audio, 96B,visual, 98B, broadcast).

The gas pressure switch 124, or other reservoir pressure sensing anderror signal generating subassembly, can be contained in the samehousing 72 as the gas flow switch 52, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9.Alternatively, they can be contained in multiple housings. In theexample illustrated in FIG. 10, a primary housing 106 contains at leasta flow switch 124 and a power subassembly 28. A remote housing 108contains at least an indicator subassembly 24. Communication between thegas pressure switch 124 and the indicator subassembly 24 can be bywireless broadcast, as illustrated for example in FIG. 10, by wire, orby any suitable form of remote communication, as previously described.Any conceivable combination of primary and remote housings 106, 108 isencompassed by the present invention. In the example illustrated in FIG.10, a gas pressure switch 124 is included in a first primary housing106, and a gas flow switch is included in a second primary housing 106′,with both switches communicating with a common indicator subassembly 24in a remote housing 108.

The present invention also includes embodiments including a gas pressureswitch 124, or other reservoir pressure sensing and error signalgenerating subassembly, and not including a gas flow switch 52 or othergas flow sensing and error signal generating subassembly.

The present invention can additionally include at least one downstreamaccessory device 144, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 14, the downstreamaccessory device 144 having at least an upstream port 146 in gas-tightengagement with the gas flow outlet conduit 32. For a medical oxygensystem, the downstream accessory device 144 can include a filter (notshown), a humidifier (not shown), a flow meter 147, or an oxygenanalyzer 148. A downstream accessory device 144 including a filter,humidifier, or flow meter 147 is preferably engaged with the gas flowoutlet conduit 32 in a linear relationship, that is, with the entirepressurized gas column 34 passing into the upstream port 146 and out ofthe downstream port 150 of the downstream accessory device 144, asillustrated in FIG. 11. The upstream port of a downstream accessorydevice 144 including a filter, humidifier, or flow meter is preferablyengaged to a portion of the gas flow outlet conduit 32 external to thehousing 72, so that the filter material or humidifier fluid can easilybe accessed for replenishment, and the display of the flow meter 147 caneasily be observed. For example, a filter or humidifier can be ingas-tight engagement with the distal end 152 of the gas flow outletconduit 32 by means of any gas-tight connector 70 known in the art, andthe downstream port 150 can be in gas-tight engagement with a gas line14. A downstream accessory device 144 including a flow meter 147 canalso be situated external to the housing 72, so that its flow ratedisplay is readily visible to a user. A flow meter 147 can alternativelybe situated within the interior space 80 of the housing 72, asillustrated in FIG. 12. In this situation, the gas flow outlet conduit32 includes a proximal member 154 and a distal member 156. The upstreamport 146 of the downstream accessory device 144 is in gas-tightengagement with the proximal member 154 of the gas flow outlet conduit32, and the downstream port 150 of the downstream accessory device 144is in gas-tight engagement with the distal member 156 of the gas flowoutlet conduit 32. In this situation, the flow rate display of the flowmeter 147 can be read by a user through a flow meter window (not shown)defined in any wall of the housing 72.

A downstream accessory device including an oxygen analyzer 148 having aport 158, the oxygen analyzer 148 is preferably engaged with the gasflow outlet conduit 32 in a bypass relationship, that is, with only aportion of the pressurized gas column 34 passing into the port 158 ofthe oxygen analyzer 148. As illustrated in FIG. 13, this situation canbe achieved by means of a T-shaped connector 160 having an upstream port162 in gas-tight engagement with the distal end 152 of the gas flowoutlet conduit 32, a bypass port 164 in gas-tight engagement with theport 158 of the oxygen analyzer 148 and a downstream port 166 ingas-tight engagement with a gas line 14 or a downstream appliance 16. Avalve (not shown) can be included in the bypass port 164 to admit thepressurized gas column 34 into the oxygen analyzer 148 only when desiredby a user. The oxygen analyzer 148 and its T-shaped connector 160 canalso be contained within the interior space 80 of the housing 72, in asituation similar to that illustrated for the flow meter 147 in FIG. 12.

Alternatively, the components of an oxygen analyzer can be incorporateddirectly into the alarm device 20. For example, as illustrated in FIG.14, an oxygen sensor 168, to sense oxygen content in the pressurized gasstream 34, includes an inlet port 170 in gas-tight engagement with thebypass port 164 of the T shaped connector 160, whose upstream port 162is in gas-tight engagement with the proximal member 154 of the gas flowoutlet conduit 32 and whose downstream port 166 is in gas-tightengagement with the distal member 156 of the gas flow outlet conduit 32.Preferably the oxygen sensor 168 is of the electrogalvanic fuel celltype commonly employed in commercial oxygen analyzers. More preferablythe oxygen sensor is a Teledyne R17MED (Teledyne, City of Industry,Calif.) electrogalvanic fuel cell, although any suitable type or modelof oxygen sensor can be incorporated. The oxygen sensor 168, whichproduces a voltage proportional to the oxygen content of the pressurizedgas column 34, is operatively engaged via connection means 36 to avoltmeter 172. The volt meter 172 is configured to measure the voltageproduced by the oxygen sensor 168, calculate from that voltage acorresponding value of the percentage of oxygen in the pressurized gascolumn 34, and display that value on a digital display 174. The voltmeter 172 can be calibrated by exposing the oxygen sensor 168 to air andto pure oxygen, in a procedure well known in the art. Air and pureoxygen can be introduced through the upstream orifice 62 of the gas flowinlet conduit 30. The oxygen sensor 168 additionally includes an oxygensensor on-off button 176 to allow a user to activate the oxygen sensor168 when a reading is desired. An on-off button aperture (not shown) isdefined at any location in the housing 72 adjacent to the oxygen sensoron-off button 176. The oxygen sensor 168 can be anchored to anyconvenient wall of the housing 72 by suitable brackets or otheranchoring means known in the art. As oxygen sensors of theelectrogalvanic type become exhausted after many months of use, anoxygen sensor access hatch (not shown) can be included to allow a userto replace the oxygen sensor 168. The oxygen sensor hatch can be definedat any location on the housing 72 adjacent to the oxygen sensor 168.

The voltmeter 172 can additionally be configured to send an error signalto an O2% alarm indicator 178 upon displaying a percent oxygen valuebelow a predetermined limit. The O2% alarm indicator 178 can include analarm indicator of the audible, visual, or broadcast alarm type.

The present invention can additionally include at least one upstreamaccessory device (not shown), the upstream accessory device including aflow meter 147 or a humidifier (not shown). The upstream accessorydevice includes an upstream port (not shown) in gas tight engagementwith a source of pressurized gas, and a downstream port (not shown) ingas-tight engagement with the gas flow inlet conduit 30 or with the gasflow inlet 56 of either the gas flow sensor 48 or the gas flow switch52, the gas tight engagements being made by means of any gas-tightconnector known in the art. The source of pressurized gas can include aregulator 12, an oxygen concentrator (not shown), or the outlet of aninstitutional gas supply (not shown). The downstream accessory device(not shown) can be situated either external or internal to the housing72.

The present invention also provides a reservoir changing device,generally shown at 180 in FIGS. 15 to 19. The purpose of the reservoirchanging device is to open a reserve cylinder 10″, or other reservereservoir of gas to a pressurized gas system upon receiving an alarmindication that pressure in a primary gas cylinder 10′, or other primaryreservoir, has fallen below a predetermined limit. The alarm indicationcan include any of the broadcast alarm indications generated by thealarm device 20 of the present invention, including embodiments eitherincluding or lacking a gas flow sensor 48 or gas flow switch 52.Alternatively, the alarm indication can be provided by additional oralternative indicator mechanisms (not shown). The reservoir changingdevice 180 is also useful in pressurized fluid systems other than gassystems.

The reservoir changing device 180 includes an adaptor 182 to connect thedevice 180 to a gas regulator 12 or other fluid distribution means, atleast a first valve member 184 and a second valve member 186, each valvemember being in gas-tight engagement with the adaptor 182, and alsoengageable with a cylinder 10′, 10″ or other gas reservoir. The firstand second valve members 184, 186 each include an access valve 190 tocontrol the flow of gas from a cylinder 10′, 10″ into the adaptor 182.In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 15-19, the first valve member 184is engageable to the primary cylinder 10′ and the second valve member186 is engageable to the reserve cylinder 10″. The reservoir changingdevice 180 additionally includes a motor and transmission subassembly192 to operate the access valves 190, a power supply 194 to providepower to the motor and transmission subassembly 192; and a controlsubassembly 196. The control subassembly 196 includes a receiver (notshown) and a motor switch mechanism (not shown), the receiver beingcapable of receiving an alarm indication and actuating the motor switchmechanism to activate the motor and transmission subassembly 192. Thereservoir changing device 180 optionally includes a first adaptor arm198 and a second adaptor arm 200 to increase the distance between theadaptor 182 and the cylinders 10′, 10″. The first adaptor arm 198 is ingas-tight engagement with both the adaptor 182 and the first valvemember 184, and the second adaptor arm 200 is in gas-tight engagementwith the adaptor 182 and the second valve member 186.

The adaptor 182 is preferably a rectangular solid having at least afront surface 202, a first side surface 204 opposite a second sidesurface 206 and a top surface 208. The adaptor 182 defines threeintersecting channels extending therethrough, the channels preferablyintersecting at a T shaped junction, as best shown in FIG. 16, althoughY-shaped junctions and other junction forms can also be included. Thechannels include a regulator channel 210, a first valve channel 212, anda second valve channel 214. The regulator channel 210 can originate fromany point within the adaptor 182, preferably from the center of theadaptor 182, and extends through the front surface 202 to terminate in aregulator port 216, the regulator port 216 being engageable to a gasregulator 12. The first valve channel 212 originates at the regulatorchannel 210, extends through the first side surface 204 of the adapter182, and through the first valve member 184, to terminate in a primaryreservoir port 218 adapted to engage a primary cylinder 10′, or otherprimary reservoir, in gas-tight engagement. If a first adaptor arm 198is included, then the first valve channel 212 additionally extendsthrough the first adaptor arm 198. The second valve channel 214originates at the regulator channel 210 and extends in a directionopposite that of the first valve channel 212, through the second sidesurface 206 of the adaptor 182, through the second valve member 186, toterminate in a reserve reservoir port 220 adapted to engage a reservecylinder 10″ in gas-tight engagement. The second adaptor arm 200 canalso be included in this path, as illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 17. Thefirst and second adaptor arms 198, 200 permit a cylinder 10′, 10″ orother reservoirs to be situated a distance away from the reservoirchanging device 180 and regulator 12, the distance being determined bythe length of the adaptor arms 198, 200. The primary and reservereservoir ports 218, 220 can include any adapters known in the art toachieve gas-tight engagement to a particular type of reservoir.

The first and second valve members 184, 186 each include an access valve190 including a bonnet 224 defining a threaded central bore 226therethrough, a correspondingly threaded valve stem 228 extendingthrough the central bore 226 and threadingly engaged therewith. Thevalve stem 228 has an upper end extending through the bonnet 224 and alower end including a valve body 230. The access valve 190 also includesa valve seat 232, which is continuous with one of the valve channels 212or 214, and which is complementary in shape to the valve body 230, tosealingly engage the valve body 230 thereby occluding the valve channel212 or 214 to block the flow of gas from the primary or reserve cylinder10′, 10″.

The motor and transmission subassembly 192 is preferably situated on thetop surface 208 of the adaptor 182. The motor and transmissionsubassembly 192 includes at least one rotary motor 234, preferablyelectrically powered, the motor having a motor shaft (not shown)operatively connected to at least one worm gear 236. If the reservoirchanging device 180 is intended only to open a reserve cylinder 10″ orother reserve reservoir, then only a single worm gear 236 is included,the worm gear 236 extending laterally along the top surface of theadaptor 182, in a direction paralleling the second valve channel 214 tooperatively engage the threads of the valve stem 228 of the second valvemember 186. Activation of the motor 234 causes the worm gear 236 torotate to confer counterclockwise motion to the valve stem 228. Thiscauses the valve stem 228 to rise through the central bore 226 of thebonnet 224, lifting the valve body 230 from the valve seat 232, andthereby allowing gas from the reserve cylinder 10″ to flow through thesecond valve channel 214, into the adaptor 182, and hence into the gasregulator 12.

If the reservoir changing device 180 is intended both to open a reservecylinder 10″ and to close a depleted primary cylinder 10′, then thedevice 180 includes two worm gears 236, with a first worm gear 236engaging the valve stem 228 of the first valve member 184 and a secondworm gear 236 engaging the valve stem 228 of the second valve member186. Preferably both worm gears 236 are operatively connected to asingle motor 234, the worm gears 236 being threaded in complementarydirections, with a first worm gear 236 lifting the valve stem 228 of thesecond valve member 186 to allow gas from the reserve cylinder 10″ toflow into the adaptor 182, and the second worm gear 236 simultaneouslylowering the valve stem 228 of the first valve member 184, to close theprimary cylinder 10′ off from the adaptor 182. It is desirable to closethe depleted primary cylinder 10′ in order to prevent gas from thereserve cylinder 10″ from being wastefully diverted into the depletedprimary cylinder 10′.

The device 180 can include at least one worm gear stabilizer, forexample worm gear guide 238, to stabilize the worm gear 236 during itsrotation. The worm gear guide 238 includes a bracket extending from avalve bonnet 224 to pivotingly engage the worm gear 236.

Preferably, a clutch (not shown) or other means to disengage the motor234 from the worm gear 236 is additionally included in the power andtransmission subassembly 192. Disengagement of the worm gear 236 fromthe motor 234 permits a user to manually open or close an access valve190 in order to prepare the device 180 for use. To further facilitatemanual operation of an access valve, the valve stem 228 can additionallyinclude a handle (not shown) for manual rotation of a valve stem 228within the central bore 226 of a bonnet 234.

The materials employed in the reservoir changing device 180 are selectedaccording to the nature of the gas in the pressurized gas system, and tothe level of pressure to which it will be exposed. In general, anymaterials suitable for the reservoir itself, and for its valves andfittings, will also be suitable for use in the device 180.

The motor 234 can include motors of any type, size, speed, power output,and power source appropriate to the size and weight of the access valves190. It is preferable to include a motor 234 with sufficiently highinitial torque to overcome the inertia of the valve stem 228, and withrelatively low speed and high torque, as power to firmly seat the valvebody 230 is more important than speed of movement. It is also preferableto provide the motor 234 with a shut-off mechanism (not shown) todeactivate the motor 234 when the valve body 230 has reached the end ofits travel. Travel limit sensors and torque limit sensors that will cutoff power to the motor are well known in the art.

The reservoir changing device 180 can alternatively include any motiveforce and any valve operation means that will appropriately open andclose access valves 190. For example, an individual motor 234 can beoperatively connected directly to each valve stem, to supply torquedirectly to the valve stem (not shown). Valves can alternatively beopened and closed by means of springs (not shown) actuated by thecontrol subassembly 196. Spring powered valves are feasible for lowpressure reservoirs such as portable liquid propane tanks.

The power supply 194 is selected according to the characteristics of themotor. Preferably the power supply 194 includes a battery withsufficient power and capacity to meet the demands of the selected motor234. Battery power insulates the reservoir changing device 180 frominterruptions in house current and permits use of the device 180 in thefield. For greater demands, alternative power sources include, but arenot limited to, DC and AC house current.

The control subassembly 196 can be situated in any location from whichit can actuate the motor 234. The control subassembly includes a masteron-off switch (not shown) to permit a user to activate and deactivatethe reservoir changing device 180, and a motor switch (not shown) toactivate and deactivate the motor 234. The control subassembly 196additionally includes a receiver (not shown) to receive an alarmindication that the gas pressure in the primary cylinder 10′ hasdiminished to a predetermined level. The receiver can be any devicecapable of receiving wired or wireless broadcast alarm indications andactuating a motor switch to activate the motor 234. Receivers caninclude, but are not limited to, a radio receiver; a wired or cellularphone receiver, a pager, a receiving device on a wired or wireless LAN,a Bluetooth® equipped device, and a wired intercom substation. Thecontrol subassembly 196 optionally includes a manual operation switch(not shown) to permit a user to manually activate the motor 234 in orderto move the valves into desired positions. In the example illustrated inFIG. 15, the control subassembly 196 is operatively connected to thealarm device 20, and to the motor 234, by connection means 36 such aswiring, printed circuits, and the like.

In operation, the initial condition of the reservoir changing device isas illustrated in FIG. 15, with the access valve 190 of the first valvemember 184 in raised, open position, and the access valve of the secondvalve member 186 in closed position. A user engages a regulator 12 tothe regulator port 216. The user engages a primary cylinder 10′ or otherprimary reservoir with the primary reservoir port 218, and a reservecylinder 10″ to the reserve reservoir port 220. The user opens the mainvalve 38′ of the primary cylinder 10′ and the main valve 38″ of thereserve cylinder 10″. A stream of pressurized gas flows from the primarycylinder 10′, through the first valve channel 212 and the regulatorchannel 210, and into the regulator 12. The user operates the masterpower switch (not shown) to activate the reservoir changing device 180.The user activates the alarm device 20 or any other alarm indicatoroperatively connected to the reservoir changing device 180. Whenpressure in the primary cylinder 10′ reaches a predetermined level, analarm indication is received by the receiver (not shown) of the controlsubassembly 196. The receiver actuates the motor switch (not shown) toactivate the motor 234 to rotate the worm gears 236, thereby opening theaccess valve 190 of the second valve member 186 and closing the accessvalve 190 of the first valve member 184, to achieve the final stateillustrated in FIG. 19. In the final state, the stream of pressurizedgas flows from the reserve cylinder 10″, through the second valvechannel 214 and the regulator channel 210 and into the regulator 12. Theprimary cylinder 10′ is closed off from the pressurized gas system.

An advantage of the reservoir changing device 180 is that it can be madein any size, and combined with any fittings, to be applicable to anycombination of reservoirs and regulator. Another advantage is that thereservoirs need not be closely adjacent to the regulator 12, as thefirst and second adaptor arms 198, 200 can be extended to any desiredlength. This allows flexibility in reservoir arrangement. The reservoirchanging device 180 can also be readily adapted to accept and controlmore than one reserve reservoir by the inclusion of additional valvemembers.

The present invention generally provides for a method of using the fluidsupply warning and communication system by flowing a fluid from aprimary fluid reservoir to an end use appliance and detecting flow rateand pressure of the fluid with a digital regulator.

Another embodiment of the present invention, a gas supply warning andcommunication system 250, provides capabilities for communicating andstoring error alarm signals, gas pressure and gas flow data and systemstatus information. The system 250 also provides a motorized reservoirchangeover device 252 optionally including a universal valve coupler 254for automatically opening the valves of reserve gas reservoirs of anysize and shape in the event of a gas system malfunction.

An overview of the structure, operation, and information flow of the gassupply warning and communication system 250 is shown in FIG. 20.Information flow is indicated by arrows labeled with abbreviatedidentifications of particular types of information.

The system 250 accommodates at least one primary gas reservoir, such asthe primary gas cylinder 10, which directs a flow of gas into a firstupstream gas path 288; and at least one secondary gas reservoir, such asreserve gas cylinder 10′, which directs a flow of gas into a secondupstream gas path 290. Both the first and second upstream gas pathseventually converge into a single downstream gas path 292 towardsaccessories and end use appliances (not shown in FIG. 20), which weredescribed previously.

The system 250 includes a primary reservoir pressure monitor module 256,which monitors the gas pressure of the primary cylinder 10 by means of aprimary reservoir pressure sensor 258, which generates digital primaryreservoir gas pressure data (PPD in FIG. 20). The primary reservoirpressure monitor module 256 also includes a primary reservoir pressureerror signal generator 260, operatively connected to the primaryreservoir pressure sensor 258. The primary reservoir pressure errorsignal generator 260 generates a primary reservoir pressure error signal(PES in FIG. 20) when the primary reservoir pressure sensor 260 detectsa reservoir pressure that violates a predetermined limit. The primaryreservoir pressure error signal is received by a pressure monitormicroprocessor 262, which routes it to a pressure monitor transceiver264 for transmission to a central transceiver 266 situated at acommunication/flow monitor module 268. There, the primary reservoirpressure error signal is received by a central microprocessor 270, whichresponds by generating a reservoir changeover signal (CS). The centralmicroprocessor 270 routes the changeover signal to the centraltransceiver 266 for transmission to a changeover transceiver 272situated at a changeover/reservoir pressure monitor module 274. Thechangeover/reservoir pressure monitor module 274 is engaged to a reservegas reservoir such as a reserve gas cylinder 10′.

The changeover signal, received at the changeover/reservoir pressuremonitor module 274, is conveyed to a changeover/pressure monitormicroprocessor 276, which responds by actuating the motorized reservoirchangeover device 252, which is engaged to the main valve 38′ of thereserve gas cylinder 10′. Upon actuation, the motorized reservoirchangeover device 252 opens the reserve gas cylinder to the secondupstream gas path 290 leading to the communications/flow monitor module268.

Preferably, the changeover/pressure monitor module 274 also has thecapability of monitoring the pressure of the reserve gas cylinder 10′after it has been opened. For this purpose, the changeover/pressuremonitor module 274 includes a reserve reservoir pressure sensor 278 togenerate reserve reservoir pressure data (RPD). The reserve reservoirpressure sensor 278 is operatively connected to a reserve reservoirpressure error signal generator 280 for generating reserve reservoirpressure error signals (RES). The reserve reservoir pressure sensor 278and the reserve reservoir pressure error signal generator 280 areoperatively connected to the changeover/pressure monitor microprocessor276. Both the reserve reservoir pressure data and reserve reservoirpressure error signals are routed by the changeover/pressure monitormicroprocessor 276 to the changeover transceiver 282, for transmissionto the communications/flow monitor module 268.

The reservoir gas pressure data, pressure error signals, and changeoversignals are all recorded as event records in a central event memory 282situated in the communications/flow monitor module 268. An event recordis defined as an electronic record including at least the identity of anevent, and the date and time of its occurrence. In the presentinvention, an event can have an identity including but not limited to, agas pressure value, a gas flow rate value, on oxygen concentrationvalue, the transmission or reception of a pressure error signal or a gasflow rate error, a command (COMD) from a remote user, and a statusindication (SI) regarding a function of the system 250, such as theactivation or deactivation of electrical power. The identity of a userconnected to the system 250 can be associated with each event recordrelevant to that user.

Preferably, there is at least transient storage of event records at theprimary reservoir pressure monitor module 256, and at thechangeover/reservoir pressure monitor module 274, in, respectively, apressure monitor event memory 284 and a changeover/pressure event memory286. This transient storage is useful if communication between modulesis intermittent.

The communications/flow module 268, in addition to its previouslydescribed communication and storage functions, also monitors the gasflow from the first upstream path 288 leading to the primary gascylinder 10, the second upstream path 290 leading from the reserve gascylinder 10′, and as many additional upstream paths to additional gasreservoirs (not shown) as desired. For this purpose, thecommunications/flow module 268 includes a gas flow sensor 294 and a gasflow error signal generator 296, both of which are operatively connectedto the central microprocessor 270. The gas flow sensor 294 generates gasflow data (GFD) and the gas flow error signal generator 296 generatesgas flow error signals (GES), which are routed to the central eventmemory 282 by the central microprocessor 270. The central microprocessor270 can also be configured to generate a changeover signal in responseto the receipt of a gas flow error signal. In this configuration, thesystem 250 opens the reserve gas cylinder 10′ in response to a gas flowmalfunction, such as a blockage or disconnection of a gas line.

In the preferred embodiment, status indications (SI) regarding systemhistory and function are received by the central microprocessor 270,which routes them to the central event memory 282 for storage.

The primary reservoir pressure monitor module 256, thechangeover/reservoir pressure monitor module 274, and thecommunications/flow module 268 optionally include digital gas pressureor gas flow rate data displays, and gas pressure and gas flow erroralarm indicators, which are not shown in FIG. 20 and will be describedin detail below.

It will be understood that an unlimited number of primary reservoirpressure monitor modules 256 and changeover/reservoir pressure monitormodules 274, can be operatively connected to a communications/flowmodule 268, with each module 256, 274 having a unique identifier andeach module 256, 274 being independently controlled through thechangeover/reservoir pressure monitor module 274.

Event records stored in the central event memory 270 are accessible byusers of remote devices by multiple means of data transfer. Thecommunication/flow monitor module 268 includes a telephonic module 298for access of records by mobile devices, land line phones, and web andlocal network servers. Event records are also accessible by wirelessradiofrequency (RF) transmission via the central transceiver 266, by anydevice equipped with a compatible wireless modem. A cable port 300permits downloading of event records by a cabled connection to one ormore remote devices, including but not limited to computers, such aspersonal computers (PC), tablets, and servers such as local networkservers and web servers, via USB, serial or Ethernet cable, Eventrecords are also downloadable from the central event memory 270 into aremovable storage device, such as an SD card or a USB flash drive, via acompatible storage device socket 302. Downloading of data can beaccomplished automatically, at regular intervals, or by manual commandthrough one of the remote devices.

The central microprocessor 270 can also receive control commands (COMDSin FIG. 20) entered into any of the previously mentioned remote devices.Commands can also be input into user input buttons 303 (FIGS. 27A-27D).The input buttons 303 are located on display panels (not shown) whichserve as user interfaces at the primary reservoir pressure monitormodule 256, the communication/flow monitor module 268, and thechangeover/reservoir pressure monitor module 274. Users can inputcommands, for example, to silence an alarm indication, to power ordepower a module, to specify a setting such as an alarm thresholdsetting, to energize or de-energize a module, or to open or close a gasreservoir. Commands, including instrument setting commands, are alsoconveniently delivered to the system 250 on a removable storage device.The central microprocessor 270 interprets these commands and accordinglyexecutes actions such as the opening and closing of a main power switchor an alarm silencing switch. Preferably, the central microprocessor 270controls the operation of the system 250 by executing a softwareapplication to be described below.

The event record storage and transfer features provide a user of thesystem 250 with a notice of the occurrence of a malfunction in apressurized gas system, the nature and site of the malfunction, andwhether the malfunction has been remedied. The user can also access ahistorical record of the operation of the system 250 in the form ofevent records, to determine whether malfunctions or status issues havearisen in the past, and to determine what commands have previously beenissued. The event records can also be pushed automatically into adatabase, such as a computerized medical record of a patient beingmaintained on a pressurized oxygen system.

The primary reservoir pressure monitor module 256 includes a digitalprimary reservoir pressure sensor 258 to measure the pressure of aprimary gas cylinder 10 or other primary reservoir. A variety ofsuitable digital reservoir pressure sensors 258 are available fromHoneywell Sensing and Control, Golden Valley, Minn. The digitalreservoir pressure sensor 258 connects to the pressurized gas system viaa gas pressure inlet 304. In the example shown in FIG. 21, the reservoirpressure sensor 258 is connected to the pressurized gas system via atubular adaptor member 306, which is in gas tight engagement with a gasregulator 12. The adapter member 306 is preferably located at any pointdownstream of the main valve 38 and upstream of a pressure valve 42 orother terminal valve of the regulator 12. This is the location at whichreservoir pressure is most reliably sensed. An analog pressure gauge 308can also be included in the primary reservoir pressure monitor module256, preferably connected to the gas pressure inlet 304 upstream fromthe digital reservoir pressure sensor 258. It will be understood thatthe primary reservoir pressure monitor module 256 can constitute aseparate unit from a regulator, and engageable to a regulator, as shownin FIG. 21, or it can be a single unit in which a primary reservoirpressure monitor module 256 is structurally integrated with a regulator,the regulator and primary reservoir pressure monitor module 256constituting a unitary regulator-primary reservoir pressure monitormodule assembly (not shown).

The primary reservoir pressure monitor module 256 also includes aprimary reservoir pressure error signal generator 260 operativelyconnected to the primary reservoir pressure sensor 258 and to thepressure monitor microprocessor 262. Digital pressure data are relayedfrom the primary reservoir pressure sensor 258 to both the pressuremonitor microprocessor 262 and the primary reservoir pressure errorsignal generator 260. The primary reservoir pressure error signalgenerator 260 can include an electromechanical switch (not shown)operatively connected to the pressure monitor microprocessor 262, theswitch generating a primary reservoir pressure alarm signal upon sensinga reservoir pressure violating at least a lower preset alarm level.Alternatively, the primary reservoir pressure error signal generator 260can include a microprocessor (not shown) with circuitry for comparinggas pressure values to preset limit values. In another alternativeconfiguration, the primary reservoir pressure error signal generator 260is a component of the pressure monitor microprocessor 262 (not shown).Reservoir pressure alarm signals are received by the pressure monitormicroprocessor 262.

Upon receipt of a primary reservoir pressure error signal, the pressuremonitor microprocessor 262 routes the reservoir pressure error signal tothe pressure monitor transceiver 264, to which it is operativelyconnected. The pressure monitor transceiver 264 transmits the primaryreservoir pressure error signal to the central transceiver 266, situatedin the communication/flow monitor module 274. The pressure monitortransceiver 264 and central transceiver 266, are preferably wireless RFtransceivers, and most preferably Digi Xbee RF modules 267 (DigiInternational Inc., Minnetonka, Minn.) that are routers and can transmitdata to a cloud 269. These RF transceivers incorporate error checking aspart of their transmission protocol and are very reliable. A Bluetooth®transceiver can alternatively be employed.

An application (“app”) 600 can receive any data from the devices andsystems described herein transmitted using commercially available, FCCcompliant, wireless telecommunication protocols (Wi-Fi). “App” or“Application” as used herein, refers to a software program designed torun on the operating systems of a handheld or mobile computing deviceand stored on non-transitory computer readable media. The handheldcomputing device can be any suitable smartphone (such as, but notlimited to, an IPHONE® (Apple)), tablet (such as, but not limited to, anIPAD® (Apple), or Microsoft SURFACE® tablet), or handheld or mobiledevice that allows for the use of Apps (such as, but not limited to,portable mp3 players and smart watches) and provides a graphicalinterface with which to display data from the systems herein. Throughthe app 600, the data can be transformed into an easy to read formatthat allows oxygen data and alerts generated by the systems to betracked and displayed. This allows for remote viewing of the patient'soxygen status as well as how many full and empty tanks a patient has.The app 600 is shown in FIG. 42A on a screen 602 of a smartphone 604. Anexample menu 606 of the app 600 is shown in FIG. 42B. FIG. 43 shows aflowchart of how data flows through the system with the app 600. Anynecessary software 610 can be used and administration can also pushfirmware 612. The app 600 can generate monthly reports for tracking andtrending data and make recommendations. FIG. 46 shows the flow ofinformation and alerts between devices in the system (for example,oxygen analyzer module 412 described below) and app 600 as well asdifferent devices (oxygen tanks, pulse oximeter described below, and USBports).

FIG. 44 shows various users and how they can interact with the app 600.System managers (AIRS) 614, administrators 616, healthcare professionals618, in-home patients 620, family/caregivers 622, and facility patients624 can access different functions in the app 600. Any other authorizedindividual caregivers can also use the app 600.

FIGS. 45A-45C shows various menus within the app 600 relevant fordifferent individuals. In-home patients (FIG. 45A) can activateregister; manage Contacts-emergency contact, send/revoke invites,secondary contacts, caregivers, oxygen suppliers, alert settings; accessmy Account-email, address, phone number, billing info; accessHelp-tutorials, FAQ, videos, support, contact us; access Patient View;access Device Management-firmware update, link devices, set time zone,sleep mode; and access Actors-administrators, nurse, doctor, patients,family members, oxygen suppliers. Nursing homes/hospitals (FIG. 45B) canaccess Device Management; access Patient search; access Patient-patient,families, assigned caregivers (patient specific alerts, graphs andhistory); access Status Page/Alerts Page-landing page; access ManagementConsole (Administrator)-settings, user management, alert settings,facility settings, adding/changing users, resetting passwords,deactivate users; access Device Updates-firmware updates, link devices,set time zone, sleep mode; and access Actors-administrator, nurse,doctor, patient, family members, oxygen suppliers. The system management(AIRS Team) (FIG. 45C) can access Customer Management-freeze account,payment, history, billing info, access Repurpose Device; access DeviceManagement-firmware updates, link devices, set time zone, sleep mode;and access Actors-AIRS' customer service representative, collections,tech support. FIG. 45D lists the types of data that can be collected bythe app 600, such as, but not limited to, flow, pressure, tank status,oxygen percentage, ETCO2, SPO2, patient's pulse, battery status, devicestatus, and alerts. FIG. 48 shows a screenshot of app 600 detailingdevices, alerts, SPO2, pulse rate, battery levels, and O2 tank levels.

Optionally, the primary reservoir pressure monitor module 256 includesat least one reservoir pressure alarm indicator 310. The primaryreservoir alarm indicator 310 is actuated by the pressure monitormicroprocessor 262 upon reception of a primary reservoir pressure errorsignal from the primary reservoir pressure error signal generator 260.One or multiple primary reservoir alarm indicators 310 can be included,such as, but not limited to, an audio alarm tone producer such as abell, a mechanical buzzer, and electronic tone synthesizer, and a visualdisplay, such as an incandescent lamp, a fluorescent tube, a lightemitting diode or a liquid crystal display. The pressure monitormicroprocessor 262 can be programmed with alarm display routines toproduce distinctive displays for particular alarm indications, aspreviously described for the indicator mechanisms 26 of the gas flow andpressure error alarm device 20. The primary reservoir pressure monitormodule 256 also includes an alarm silencing switch 312 operativelyconnected to the pressure monitor microprocessor 262 to permit a user tosilence the primary reservoir alarm indicator 310 and abort the primaryreservoir pressure error signal to the central transceiver 266. Thealarm silencing switch 312 is preferably a key-controlled switch toprevent unauthorized personnel from silencing the alarm indicator 310.An alarm reset button (not shown) is also provided to reset the alarmsand associated event data from memories.

Preferably, the primary reservoir pressure monitor module 256 includes apressure monitor event memory 314 operatively connected to the pressuremonitor microprocessor 262 and to the primary reservoir pressure errorsignal generator 260. The pressure monitor microprocessor 262 recordsprimary reservoir pressure data and primary reservoir pressure errorsignals as event records in the pressure monitor event memory 314. Thereservoir pressure data is recorded at predetermined clock intervals.The pressure monitor event memory 14 can be physically situated in adiscrete memory component such as Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory(EEPROM) chip, or it can be a component of the pressure monitormicroprocessor 262 itself (not shown).

The pressure monitor microprocessor 262 also periodically creates statusindication event records regarding the status of various components ofthe primary reservoir pressure monitor module. The status indicationsinclude but are not limited to connection status, that is, theconnection or disconnection of the pressure monitor transceiver 264 isconnected to another compatible transceiver; battery charge; and theactivation and deactivation of the master power switch 92. The statusindication event records are routed by the pressure monitormicroprocessor 262 to the pressure monitor transceiver 264 fortransmission to the communication/flow monitor module 268. Optionally,status indication event records are also recorded in the pressuremonitor event memory 314. Visible status indications are provided at theprimary reservoir pressure monitor module 256, including a master powerindicator 320, a transceiver connection indicator 316, and a batterycharge indicator 318. An audible battery alarm indicator (not shown) canalso be included to alert a user to a battery charge below apredetermined limit.

Optionally, the pressure monitor microprocessor 262 is operativelyconnected to a digital pressure display (not shown), which displaysreservoir pressure values continuously or at predetermined intervals.This option is useful if the previously described analog pressure gauge308 is not included in the pressure monitor module 256.

The components of the primary reservoir pressure monitor module 256 arecontained within a primary pressure module housing 322 of any convenientsize and shape. Preferably, the pressure monitor housing 322 includes atleast a bottom aperture 324 that permits the fitting of the pressuremonitor module 256 over the top of a gas cylinder 10, with the mainvalve 38 protruding into the interior space of the primary pressuremodule housing 322. The pressure monitor housing 322 includes at leastone display panel (not shown) which includes windows (not shown) topermit viewing of the previously described alarm indicators 310, thestatus indicators 312, 314, and 316, and a digital pressure display (notshown).

Electrical power to energize the primary reservoir pressure monitor isprovided by a power subassembly 326. The power subassembly 326 includesthe master power switch 92, and at least one battery 86 enclosed in abattery compartment 88 and mounted in battery clip 90. A RechargeableLithium-Ion battery is preferred, with the voltage and capacity of thebattery depending on the type of included microprocessors, alarmindicators, and transceiver. The power subassembly 326 preferably alsoincludes a battery charger 328. The battery charger 328 includescomponents well known in the art, including charge detection circuitry(not shown), a battery recharging circuit (not shown), and a receptaclefor recharging), preferably 5 VDC. A battery status chip 450 ispreferably included to store battery status indications. Essentially thesame power subassembly 326 can be incorporated into thecommunication/flow monitor module 268 and the changeover/reservoirpressure monitor module 274.

The communication/flow monitor module 268, as shown in FIG. 22, includesa gas flow sensor 294, preferably a digital gas flow sensor, to measurea gas flow from an upstream gas reservoir toward at least one downstreamappliance, and to generate digital gas flow data. An exemplary digitalgas flow sensor 294 is the Honeywell Zephyr™ Digital Airflow Sensor. Thegas flow sensor 294 connects to the pressurized gas system through atleast one gas flow inlet 330, which directs a column of pressurized gasfrom at least the first upstream gas path 288 into the gas flow sensor294. A gas flow outlet 332 directs the column of pressurized gas intothe downstream path gas path 292. Preferably, the gas flow inlet 330engages both the first upstream gas path 288, from the primary gascylinder 10 and the second upstream gas path 290, from the reserve gascylinder 10′, by means of an inlet manifold 334. The inlet manifold 334includes at least a first inlet port 336 for engagement with the firstupstream gas path 288, and a second inlet port 338 for engagement withthe second upstream gas path 290. The first inlet port 336 and secondinlet port 338 merge into a common port 339, which is engaged to the gasflow sensor 294. Additional inlet ports can be included to accommodateadditional primary and reserve gas reservoirs (not shown). Lesspreferably, two or more gas flow sensors 294 are included in thecommunication/flow monitor module 268, with each gas flow sensor 294dedicated to measuring gas flow from a specific gas reservoir (notshown). The gas flow sensor 294 conveys gas flow data to the centralmicroprocessor 270, to which it is operatively connected.

The communication/flow monitor module 268 also includes a gas flow errorsignal generator 296 operatively connected to both the gas flow sensor294 and the central microprocessor 270. The gas flow error signalgenerator 296 generates a gas flow error signal upon the detection of aflow rate violating at least one predetermined flow value. The centralmicroprocessor 270 also records the gas flow data and gas flow errorsignals as event records in the central event memory 282. The centralevent memory 282 can be physically situated in a discrete memorycomponent such as EEPROM chip, or in the central microprocessor 270itself.

Preferably, the central microprocessor 270 is operatively connected to adigital pressure display 340, and to a digital gas flow display 342,which display, respectively, the reservoir pressure of the primary gasreservoir and the gas flow rate to a downstream appliance. The digitalpressure display 340 and digital gas flow display 342 can be combinedinto a single display that is switchable to display pressure and gasflow data from any source, including additional gas reservoirs (notshown).

The central microprocessor 270 is also operatively connected to at leastone reservoir pressure error alarm indicator 310 and at least one gasflow error alarm indicator 344. The central microprocessor 270 actuatesa reservoir pressure alarm indicator 310 upon receipt of a pressureerror signal from the primary reservoir pressure monitor module 256 orthe changeover/reservoir pressure monitor module 274. The centralmicroprocessor 270 actuates a gas flow error alarm indicator 344 uponreceipt of a gas flow error signal from the gas flow error signalgenerator 296. The structure and function of the alarm indicators is aspreviously described for the primary reservoir pressure monitor module256. The audible alarm can preferably be actuated to produce sound atlow, medium, and high volume levels, to indicate specific levels of gasflow or reservoir pressure shortfall.

The central microprocessor 262 also periodically creates statusindication event records regarding the status of various components ofthe communication/flow monitor module 268. The status indications, andtheir routing and recording in event memories, is as previouslydescribed for the primary reservoir pressure monitor module 256. Visiblestatus indications include a master power indicator 320, a transceiverconnection indicator 316, and a battery charge indicator 318 and,optionally, an audible battery alarm indicator (not shown). Thecommunication/flow monitor module housing 346 includes windows (notshown) includes windows to permit viewing of the previously describedalarm indicators, status indicators, and digital displays.

The central microprocessor 270 also receives event records transmittedfrom the primary reservoir pressure monitor module 256 and records themthe central event memory 282. Reception is preferably by means of thecentral transceiver 266, which is essentially identical to thepreviously described pressure monitor transceiver 264.

In addition to its gas flow monitoring function, the communication/flowmonitor module 268 also receives primary reservoir pressure signals fromthe primary reservoir pressure monitor module 256, records them as eventrecords, and routes them via the central transceiver 266 to thechangeover/reservoir pressure monitor module 274. The changeover signalinduces the changeover/reservoir pressure monitor module 272 to open thereserve gas cylinder 10′, as will be described in detail below. Thecentral microprocessor 270 is also configurable to generate a changeoversignal in response to a gas flow error signal. This capability ofopening a reserve gas reservoir in response to a gas flow error isespecially useful when the primary gas source is an oxygen concentrator.Reservoir pressure is not a relevant property for oxygen concentrators,which maintain a constant low internal pressure by mechanical means suchas a compressor.

Several modes of access are provided to event records stored in thecentral event memory 282. Event records are accessible by telephoniccommunication. The communication/flow monitor module 268 includes atelephonic module 298. Event records can be routed from the centralevent memory 282 to the telephonic module 298, which then makes aconnection to a communications network and transmits the data to remotedevices such as land-line telephones, cellular phones tablets, and othermobile devices, IP addresses, FAX machines, and the like. Preferably,the telephonic module 298 includes a GSM (Global System for MobileCommunications) Quad-Band cellular communications module transmittingtext messages via the Short Messaging System (SMS). The telephonicmodule 298 connects to a cellular communication network in apreprogrammed connection mode, such as connection at predeterminedintervals, and connection upon receipt of a gas pressure of gas flowerror alarm signal. Once connected to the cellular communicationnetwork, the event records are transmitted via SMS to a phone number orIP address that has been programmed into the microprocessor.

Event records are also accessible by means of wireless transmission viathe central transceiver 266, by any device equipped with a compatiblewireless modem. Wireless access is useful in situations in which aremote user is in proximity to the communication/flow monitor module268.

Event records are also accessible by download via cable to one or moreremote devices, including but not limited to computers, such as personalcomputers (PC), tablets, and servers such as local network servers andweb servers. Downloading can be performed via a cable, such as a USB,serial or Ethernet cable, or via removable storage devices, via thepreviously described ports and sockets provided in thecommunication/flow monitor module 268. Download of event records can beinducible by commands entered manually through a “send” button (one ofthe user input buttons 303) and associated circuitry (not shown)operatively connected to the central microprocessor 270. Download can bealso be inducible by commands from a PC, server, or mobile device, thecommands either being entered manually by a user or programmed fortransmission at predetermined intervals. Download can also be inducibleby the receipt of a particular type of event record, such as an erroralarm signal, at the central microprocessor 270.

Preferably, the event records are stored in, or converted to, in ahuman-readable format, such as HTML-based web pages. In this format, thedownloaded event records can be displayed on a user friendly interface,such as web browsers or spreadsheet programs well known in the art.Event records for a particular patient can be routed from a web serverdirectly into the patient's electronic medical record file, stored atsuch sites as a physician's office, a nursing station, or the internalnetwork of a hospital. Preferably, connected computers run a program toautomatically update a patient's web page or other file upon receipt ofnew event records.

An exemplary microprocessor for use as the central microprocessor 270 isthe Atmega 328P (Atmel, San Jose, Calif.). The Atmega 328P can alsoserve as the pressure monitor microprocessor 262 and thechangeover/pressure monitor microprocessor 276, but in view of thesimpler data handling demands on these microprocessors 262 and 276, lesspowerful microprocessors can be substituted. All operative connectionsamongst the components of the system 250, are preferably made by meansof a printed circuit board (PCB). Specific PCB configurations arereadily designed from the descriptions by any person skilled in thedesign of electronic circuits.

The changeover/reservoir pressure monitor module 274 is connectable to areserve gas reservoir, such as a reserve gas cylinder 10′. It will beunderstood that the changeover/reservoir pressure monitor module 274 canconstitute a separate unit from a regulator and engageable to aregulator, as shown in FIG. 23, or it can be a single unit in which achangeover/reservoir pressure monitor module 274 is structurallyintegrated with a regulator, constituting a unitaryregulator-changeover/reservoir pressure monitor module assembly (notshown).

As shown in FIG. 23, the changeover/reservoir pressure monitor module274 includes the motorized reservoir changeover device 252 for openingthe reserve gas cylinder 10′ upon reception of a changeover signal. Thechangeover/reservoir pressure monitor module 274 preferably alsoincludes pressure monitoring components similar or identical to thosepreviously described for the primary reservoir pressure monitor module256. That is, the changeover/reservoir pressure monitor module 274includes a digital reserve reservoir pressure sensor 278, preferably adigital sensor, connected to the pressurized gas system via a tubularadaptor member 306, a reserve reservoir pressure error signal generator280, an optional analog pressure gauge 308; a transceiver preferably anRF transceiver, termed a changeover transceiver 272; an optionalreservoir pressure alarm indicator 310, an alarm silencing switch 312,status indicators 316, 318, 320, an optional digital reservoir pressuredisplay (not shown) and a power subassembly. Also included is amicroprocessor, termed a changeover/pressure monitor microprocessor 276.The changeover/pressure monitor microprocessor 276 performs all of thefunctions previously described for the pressure monitor microprocessor262, and additionally regulates reservoir changeover functions, but itis not necessarily structurally or functionally distinguishable from thepressure monitor microprocessor 262. The changeover/pressure monitormicroprocessor 274 receives reserve reservoir pressure data from thereserve reservoir pressure sensor 278 and reserve reservoir pressureerror signals from the pressure error signal generator 280. Preferably,the changeover/reservoir pressure monitor module 274 includes a memory,termed the changeover/reservoir pressure event memory 286, for therecording of reserve reservoir pressure data, reserve reservoir pressureerror signals, and status indications, as event records. Thechangeover/pressure monitor microprocessor 276 also routes the eventrecords to the changeover transceiver 272 for transmission to thecommunication/flow monitor module 268. These pressure monitoringcomponents give the changeover/reservoir pressure monitor module 274 thecapability of monitoring the pressure of a reserve gas reservoir afterthe reservoir has been opened by the motorized reservoir changeoverdevice 252. The changeover/reservoir pressure monitor module 274 issuitable use as a primary reservoir pressure monitor module engaged witha primary gas reservoir 10, with the reservoir changeover device 252removed, inactivated, or disengaged from the main valve of the primaryreservoir (not shown). The changeover/reservoir pressure monitor module274 can also be mounted on a primary reservoir with the reservoirchangeover device 252 engaged to the main valve, to enable a user toopen or close the main valve for a purpose other than reservoirchangeover. For example the main valve 38 of a primary gas reservoir 10can be closed in a hazardous situation by an emergency cut-off button tobe described below.

The reservoir changeover device 252 includes a motor member 354 forapplying torque to a valve coupler 348 which is engageable with the mainvalve 38′. The valve coupler 348 transfers torque from the motor member354 to the main valve 38′, to operate the main valve 38′. The motormember 354 includes a motor 355, preferably an electric motor, situatedin a motor housing 358. An exemplary motor is the Pololu geared DCmotor, with 499:1 gear ratio, and 300 oz. install torque at 6V DC(Pololu Robotics, Inc., Las Vegas, Nev.). Alternatively, any suitableservo or stepper motor with similar torque can be used. Preferably, thevalve coupling device is a universal valve coupler 254, to be describedin detail. Alternatively, the valve coupler 348 can include any couplingdevice known in the art, including a device having a fixed geometrycomplementary to the geometry of a particular main valve 38.

As shown in FIG. 23, the changeover/reservoir pressure monitor module256 is contained in a changeover/reservoir pressure monitor modulehousing 350, which differs from the previously described primarypressure monitor housing 322 by the addition of a top aperture 352,through which the motorized reservoir changeover device 252 extends, andthe provision of sufficient internal space to accommodate the valvecoupler 348

The changeover/pressure monitor microprocessor 276 is operativelyconnected to the changeover transceiver 272 and to the motor 355. Thechangeover/pressure monitor microprocessor 276 actuates the motor 355upon receipt of a changeover signal from the communications/flow monitormodule 268. Actuation is preferably accomplished by the closing of anormally open motor switch 360 controlling a motor driver circuit 362.

A preferred valve coupler 348 is the universal valve coupler 254, whichis capable of engaging main valves 38′ regardless of their geometry andsize, and regardless of their rotational position. A universal valvecoupler 254 according to present invention is shown in FIGS. 24 A-I. Theuniversal valve coupler 254 includes a pin housing 364 having a bottomend 366 facing toward a main valve 38′ to be engaged, an opposite topend 368, and at least one lateral side 370 therebetween. A plurality ofmutually parallel pin channels 372 traverse the length of the pinhousing 364, the pin channels 372 being mutually parallel and axiallyaligned with an axis extending from the top end 368 to the bottom end366 of the pin housing 364. Each pin channel 372 has a top opening 374defined in the top surface 368 of the pin housing 364 and a bottomopening 376 defined at the bottom end 366 of the pin housing 364. Aspring pin 378, for transferring torque to the main valve 38′ isslidably contained within each pin channel 372.

Each spring pin 378 includes a bottom section 380 to engage the valve38′, the bottom section 380 being protrudable below the bottom opening376 of the pin channel 372 in which it is contained, and upper section382 terminating in a pin head 384 protrudable above the top opening 374of the pin channel 372. The pin head 384 has a larger diameter than thatof the top opening 374, to prevent the spring pin 378 from dropping outof the pin channel 372. The bottom section 380 of the spring pin 378 iscontactable with the main valve 38′. It is preferably hexagonal in crosssection, to provide leverage against the valve 38′, but it canalternatively be circular, or of any polygonal shape. In an easilyfabricated exemplary spring pin 378 depicted in FIGS. 24A and 24B, a hexstandoff serves as the bottom section 380 and a screw serves as theupper section 382.

Each pin channel 272 includes a bottom portion 386 to accommodate thebottom section 380 of the spring pin 378, and a middle portion 388 andan upper portion 390 that together accommodate the upper section 382 ofthe spring pin 378. The bottom portion 386 of the pin channel 272closely approximates the bottom section 380 of the spring pin 378, withthe diameter of the bottom portion x exceeding that of the bottomsection 380 only to the extent that allows the spring pin 378 to slidewithin the pin channel 372. This close fit provides maximal axialsupport to the spring pin 378 when the pin housing 364 is rotatedagainst the main valve 38′. Similarly, the upper portion 390 of the pinchannel 372 closely approximates the upper section 382 of the spring pin378.

The middle portion 388 of the pin channel 372 is of a diametersufficient to contain a biasing member, preferably a coil spring 392,which is disposed about the upper section 382 of the spring pin 378. Thespring 392 is compressible between the bottom section 380 of the springpin 378, the upper portion 390 of the pin channel 372, such that thespring 392 biases the spring pin 378 downward, toward the main valve 38′to be engaged. The spring 392 is of sufficient strength to force thebottom section 380 of the spring pin 378 to protrude at least partiallythrough the bottom opening 376 of the pin channel 372. The strength ofthe spring 392 is also sufficiently low to allow the spring pin 378 toslide upward within the pin channel 372 when a main valve 38′ is broughtinto contact with the spring pin 392. Any alternative biasing memberknown in the art can be substituted for the spring pin 392, for examplea resilient collar (not shown) disposed about the upper section 382 ofeach spring pin 378. When a spring pin 378 is forced upward by contactwith the valve 38′, pin head 384 and at least part of the upper section382 emerge from the top opening 374 of the pin channel 372, as shown inFIG. 24B.

The pin housing 364 can be fabricated as a single solid structure, withcontinuous pin channels 372 bored through or molded into the length ofthe pin housing 364 (not shown). Alternatively, the pin housing 364 canbe fabricated as least two adjacent housing segments 394, as shown inFIG. 24B, which shows a pin housing 364 four housing segments 394. Anadvantage of assembling the pin housing 364 from multiple segments isease of fabrication.

Alternatively, the pin housing 364 can include at least twononcontiguous plates. An example including an upper housing plate 396and a lower housing plate 398 is shown in FIGS. 24C and 24F. The lowerhousing plate 398 includes the bottom openings 376 of the pin channels372 and the upper housing plate 396 includes the top openings 374. Aspace defined between the upper housing plate 396 and the lower housingplate 398 represents the middle portions 388 of the pin channels 372 andaccommodates the spring 392 or other biasing member. In the exampleshown in FIGS. 24C-24F.

In this example, the lower housing plate 398 defines a single commonbottom opening 400 of all of the pin channels 372. This configuration ispreferable for a tightly packed bundle of spring pins 372. Preferably,the perimeter of the common bottom opening 400 is contoured to fit thecontours of the outermost rank spring pins 378, as shown in FIG. 24C.This contouring provides additional axial stability to the spring pins378 when torque is applied to the pin housing 364. The segments orplates of the pin housing 364 can be fastened together by any suitablefastening hardware, including but not limited to, longitudinal bolts orretaining pins (not shown).

The universal valve coupler 254 optionally includes a cowling 402extending downward from the pin housing 364, its length being sufficientto surround the bottom sections 380 of spring pins 378 protrudingthrough the bottom openings 376 of the pin channels 372. The cowling 402provides a recess that allows the main valve 38′ to enter the universalvalve coupler 254.

The universal valve coupler 254 also includes an acceptor member 404 toconnect the universal valve coupler 254 to the motor shaft 356.

The reservoir changeover device 252 is mounted upon the top aperture 352of the changeover/reservoir pressure module housing 350, with theuniversal valve coupler 254 extending downward to engage the main valve38′. Any engagement hardware known in the art can be used to engage thereservoir changeover device 252 to the housing 350, and the engagementcan be either permanent or reversible. Preferably, reversible engagementis mediated by a snap-lock device 406 as shown in FIG. 24I. Any suitablemeans of reversible engagement known in the art can alternatively beused, such as a bayonet mount or a breech-lock mount (not shown). Theelectrical connection between the motor 355 and the motor switch 360(FIG. 23) is preferably made by an electrical plug 408 integrated intothe top aperture 352, the plug engaging a socket (not shown) in themotor member 354. It will be understood that any wiring arrangementknown in the art can be used to connect the motor 355 to the motorswitch 360.

In operation, the universal valve coupler 254 is brought with the mainvalve 38′, either by lowering the coupler 254 onto the main valve 38′ orby introducing the main valve 38′ upward into the bottom aperture 324 ofthe changeover/reservoir pressure module housing 350. As shown in FIGS.24G and 24H, a subset of spring pins 378 that comes into contact withthe main valve 38′ are slidingly displaced upward against the tension ofthe spring 392. The subset of spring pins 378 that do not come intocontact with the main valve 38′ continue to protrude beyond the bottomopenings 376 of the pin channels 372, their bottom sections 380 forminga pocket 410 closely conforming to the perimeter of the main valve 38′.When torque is applied to the universal valve coupler 254 by the motor355, the torque is transmitted by the pocket 410 to the main valve 38.It will be understood that the universal valve coupler 254 can beemployed to apply torque not only to valves, but also to any object tobe rotated.

The opening of a valve 38′ by the reservoir changing device 252 canconceivably cause damage to the valve 38′ by continuing to apply torqueafter the valve 38′ has reached its fully open position. The valve 38′can also be opened too little as a result of backlash, that is, torqueapplication that does not translate into immediate valve rotation. Toensure safe and adequate opening of the main valve 38′, thechangeover/pressure monitor microprocessor 276 can be configured toexecute a valve opening feedback loop.

The valve opening feedback loop is triggered by the reception of achangeover signal by the changeover/pressure monitor microprocessor 276.In an initial state, with the main valve 38′ of the reserve cylinder 10′closed, the reserve reservoir pressure sensor 278 registers zero psiover ambient pressure. Upon reception of a changeover signal from thecommunication/flow monitor module 268 the microprocessor 276 commandsthe motor switch 360 to close. This energizes the motor 355, whichapplies valve opening torque to the main valve 38′. As the main valve38′ begins to open, the reserve reservoir pressure sensor 278 begins tosense the internal pressure of the reserve gas cylinder 10′. The motorswitch 360 continues to remain open, and the motor continues to exerttorque, until the digital pressure sensor senses a predeterminedthreshold pressure value, which indicates that the main valve 38′ hasopened sufficiently. Upon reception of the threshold pressure value, themicroprocessor 276 commands the motor switch 360 to open, de-energizingthe motor 155. The feedback loop closes with the cessation of torqueapplication upon the main valve 38′.

The valve opening feedback loop can be generally applied as a method forsafely and optimally opening any type of pressurized gas reservoirvalve, including the steps of engaging a motorized coupling device to amain valve of a pressurized gas reservoir, the main valve being inclosed position; engaging a pressure sensor to an outlet of thepressurized gas reservoir; operatively connecting the pressure sensor toa microprocessor; receiving a signal to open the main valve of thepressurized gas reservoir at the microprocessor; sending an actuationsignal from the microprocessor to the motorized coupling device;actuating the motorized coupling device; applying valve-opening torqueto the main valve with the actuated motorized coupling device; sensing agas pressure at the outlet of the pressurized gas reservoir with thepressure sensor; generating gas pressure data with the pressure sensor;receiving the gas pressure data at the microprocessor; sensing a gaspressure above a predetermined threshold; generating gas pressure dataindicating a gas pressure above the predetermined threshold; receivingat the microprocessor the pressure data indicating a gas pressure abovethe predetermined threshold; ceasing the actuation signal from themicroprocessor; ceasing the actuation of the motorized coupling device,and ceasing valve-opening torque on the main valve by the motorizedcoupling device.

Less preferably, the microprocessor 276 can simply be configured toclose the motor switch 155 for a predetermined amount of time upon thereception of a changeover signal, the predetermined time being selectedto reduce the risk of valve damage. Alternatively, a mechanical slipclutch (not shown) or equivalent device can be incorporated into thereservoir changeover device 256 to prevent the over or under opening ofthe main valve 38′.

The motorized reservoir changeover device 252 can rotate a main valve 38in a direction that either opens or closes the main valve 38. Inaddition to the previously described actuation of the reservoirchangeover device 252, manual actuation of the device by a user is alsowithin the scope of the present invention. Preferably, the user inputbuttons 303 include a load button (not shown) and an unload button (notshown), which actuate rotation of the reservoir changeover device 252in, respectively, a valve-opening or valve-closing direction. The unloadbutton (not shown) can also act as an emergency shut-off button (notshown), for cutting off the supply of gas in the event of a hazardouscondition, such as a fire. This emergency provision is operative onprimary gas reservoirs, reserve gas reservoirs, or any reservoir towhich a motorized reservoir changeover device 252 is engaged.

The present invention is readily adapted for use as an alarm device forpressurized systems for gases other than oxygen through simplesubstitutions of materials, such as gas-tight seals, and of valves andsensors appropriate for the particular gas, as will be well known tothis skilled in the art of that gas. Through such substitutions, thepresent invention is a useful alarm and communication system forpressurized gasses including, but not limited to propane, medical air,carbon dioxide, acetylene, hydrogen, nitrogen, helium, argon, ethylene,xenon, and mixtures thereof. The present invention is readily adapted toany type of gas regulator, including two-stage gas regulators. Thepresent invention is also readily adapted for use in pressurized liquidsystems, with suitable substitutions such as the use of liquid tightseals and fluid regulators (not shown). Through such substitutions, thepresent invention is a useful alarm and communication system forpressurized systems including, but not limited to, water, alcohols,petrochemicals including gasoline, diesel and other fuels, heating andlubricating oils, and the liquefied forms of oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen,helium, and carbon dioxide.

For example, the system 250 can be used to monitor propane tanks used inhome heating or other utility applications. In this type of application(not shown), the primary reservoir pressure monitor module 256 is ingas-tight engagement with a primary propane tank, and thechangeover/reservoir pressure monitor module 274 is in gas-tightengagement with a reserve propane tank. The communications/flow monitormodule 268 transmits notices of gas pressure or flow alarms to remoteusers and allows users to monitor the status of the system and to entercommands to modify its function.

In another example, the system 250 can be used as a safety device fordiving with self contained underwater apparatus (SCUBA). In an exemplaryconfiguration, the primary reservoir pressure monitor module is ingas-tight engagement with a primary air tank of a SCUBA apparatus andsaid changeover/reservoir pressure monitor module is in gas-tightengagement with a reserve air tank of the SCUBA apparatus. The primaryreservoir pressure monitor module, communication/flow monitor module,changeover/reservoir pressure monitor module are enclosed in at leastone waterproof housing. The system provides alarms to a diver using theSCUBA apparatus, automatic opening of the reserve air tank, and alarmsignals to remote parties, such as the crew of a nearby diving boat.

In an alternative embodiment of the gas supply warning and communicationsystem 250, an oxygen flow monitor 412 is incorporated into thecommunication/flow monitor module 268. The resulting module, as shown inFIG. 26, is termed a communication/flow/oxygen monitor module 414. Thecommunication/flow/oxygen monitor module 414 is especially useful in gassystems wherein the primary oxygen reservoir is an oxygen concentrator416. The oxygen flow monitor 412 is capable of determining anddisplaying the oxygen concentration of the pressurized gas column and ofgenerated oxygen concentration error signals when the concentrationvalue violates at least a predetermined limit, usually a lower limit.The oxygen flow monitor 412 converts gas flow rates from an oxygensource to an electrical signal for subsequent display and does notinhibit oxygen flow or control it. Oxygen is still capable of flowing toa patient even if the oxygen flow monitor 412 is turned off ordisconnected from Wi-Fi.

In the preferred embodiment, the oxygen flow monitor 412 is employed inconjunction with the previously described gas flow sensor 294, the gasflow error signal generator 296, and their associated circuitry. Thiscombination provides the capability of detecting and reporting both gasflow and oxygen concentration malfunctions, which is especially usefulin oxygen concentrator systems.

In a preferred embodiment, the oxygen flow monitor 412 does not measureoxygen concentration but rather pulse oximetry. However, an oxygensensor 168 can optionally be included to measure an oxygen concentrationin a column of gas by generating an output voltage proportional to anoxygen concentration, and a voltmeter 172 operatively connected to theoxygen sensor 168. The voltmeter 172 calculates an oxygen concentrationvalue from the output voltage as previously described for the gas flowand pressure error alarm device 20. Preferably, the voltmeter 172 alsodisplays the oxygen concentration value in a digital oxygen display 418.The oxygen flow monitor 412 also includes an oxygen concentration errorsignal generator 420 operatively connected to the voltmeter 172. Boththe oxygen sensor 168 and the oxygen concentration error signalgenerator 420 are operatively connected to the central microprocessor270, which records oxygen concentration data and oxygen concentrationerror signals in the central event memory 282. In response to thereception of an oxygen concentration error signal, the centralmicroprocessor 270 actuates an oxygen alarm indicator 422, which can bea visual signal such as an LED, an audible signal, or both. The centralmicroprocessor 270 also generates a changeover signal which is conveyedto the central transceiver 266 for transmission to thechangeover/reservoir pressure monitor module 274. The error alarmsignals, changeover signals, oxygen concentration data, and oxygenanalyzer status indications all recorded as event records in the centralevent memory 282, for transmission or downloading to computers, mobiledevices, web servers, and the like, as previously described. The oxygenflow monitor 412 can also be used without the changeover/reservoirpressure monitor module 274.

The oxygen sensor 168 can be situated either upstream or downstream fromthe gas flow sensor 294. In the example shown in FIG. 25, the oxygensensor 168 is downstream of the gas flow sensor, in gas tight engagementwith the gas flow outlet 332 of the gas flow sensor 168. The engagementis preferably made through a T shaped connector 160 engaged to thepreviously described inlet manifold 334. The T shaped connector 160includes an upstream port 162 engaged to the gas flow outlet 322, abypass port 164 to admit the gas column to the oxygen sensor 168, and adownstream port 166 engaged to the downstream path 292 leading to an enduse appliance.

The oxygen flow monitor 412 can include non-invasive monitoring offunctional oxygen saturation or SpO2 and pulse rate. Users can setpersonalized flow rate, SpO2, and pulse rate alert thresholds with theoxygen flow monitor 412. If any measurement goes outside of the user setthreshold, a notification is triggered on the oxygen flow monitor 412with visual and audio cues (via display screen, LED lights, and/or audiotones). Oxygen flow can be adjusted automatically based on the patient'sSpO2. Alternatively, oxygen flow can be controlled remotely such asthrough app 600 by a caregiver. Oxygen flow can also be controlledremotely by either a caregiver or the user themselves through a remotedevice with BLUETOOTH® communication capabilities, One such remoteBLUETOOTH® device is the WRISTOX2® by Nonin, which can measure SPO2 andpulse rate and this is sent to the oxygen flow monitor 412, and theoxygen flow monitor 412 can track battery levels, oxygen flow, and tankstatus. However, the oxygen flow monitor 412 can also display SPO2 andpulse rate taken by the WRISTOX2® through BLUETOOTH® communication. Anydata from the remote BLUETOOTH® device can also be sent to the app 600.Control can also be by a combination of the app 600 and the remoteBLUETOOTH® device.

When connected to Wi-Fi, the oxygen flow monitor 412 can send devicedata (oxygen flow rate, flow rate set limits, SpO2, pulse, tank count,battery levels, and any notification conditions) to the app 600. If notconnected to Wi-Fi, the device stores the data and transmits again whenconnected to Wi-Fi. While it is preferable that the app 600 cannotcontrol or alter the functions or parameters of the connected oxygenflow monitor 412, control can also be given to authorized individuals tobe able to adjust the oxygen flow from a remote location through the app600. The oxygen flow monitor 412 can also include a BLUETOOTH®communication mechanism so that this device can also communicate withother devices/components in the system (i.e. regulator 12 orchangeover/reservoir pressure monitor module 274).

The oxygen flow monitor 412 can further include video and audiocommunication mechanisms that allows for communication remotely withpatients using the system and allows for two-way conversations betweencaregivers and patients. Any necessary video and audio electronics canbe included as known in the art.

An alternative embodiment of the communication/flow/oxygen monitormodule 414, termed a communication/oxygen monitor module 424, does notinclude gas flow measurement and warning capability. The oxygen sensor168 is directly engaged to the inlet manifold 334, as shown in FIG. 26.The communication/oxygen monitor module 424 does not include a flow gasflow sensor 168, a voltmeter 172, a gas flow error signal generator 296,a gas flow error alarm indicator 344, and the central microprocessor 270need not be capable of receiving and recording gas flow data and gasflow error signals, actuating gas flow error indicators, or driving adigital gas pressure display.

The present invention generally provides for a method of using the gassupply warning and communication system by flowing oxygen from a primarygas reservoir to an end use appliance, and measuring SpO2, flow rate,pulse rate, and battery levels.

The present invention also provides a vibrating bracelet 452, whichserves as an alarm indicator. That is, the vibrating bracelet 452 isactuated as a reservoir pressure error alarm indicator 310, a gas flowrate error alarm indicator 244, or an oxygen concentration error alarmindicator 422. The vibrating bracelet 452 applies a vibration generatedby a vibration output device 454 to a wrist or other body part of a userof the system 250. The vibrating bracelet 452 is preferably actuated byerror signals generated by the central microprocessor 270. Vibratingbracelets 452 are commercially available and are readily adapted foractuation in response to any of the previously described error signalsgenerated by the system 250. A suitable vibrating bracelet is the Vybe™wristband available from www.wearvybe.com.

As shown in FIGS. 27A-27D, a vibrating bracelet typically includes avibration output device 454, a battery 86, battery charger 258, userinput buttons 303, and a wireless bracelet transceiver 456, preferably awireless RF, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth® transceiver. A bracelet microprocessor458 regulates the routing of error signals to the vibration outputdevice 454 and the transmission of event records to the central eventmemory 282 at the communications/flow module 268.

The present invention provides methods for controlling the operation ofthe system 250, preferably in the form of a processor-implementedmethod, such as a software application. The methods include routines forthe automatic and manual control of the settings, valve operation, anddata collection and storage for all phases of operation of the system250. An exemplary software application encodes instructions forperforming at least a flow monitor routine for controlling thecommunication/flow monitor module 268, and a pressure monitor andreservoir changeover control routine, for controlling achangeover/reservoir pressure monitor module 274.

An exemplary flow monitor control routine is shown in FIGS. 28A-28F. Theflow monitor control routine begins with an initialization subroutine,in which flow rate alarm settings are read by the central microprocessor270 from a memory device (step 610), connections between thecommunication/flow monitor module 268 and other components of the system250 are confirmed (step 612), and a preset initialization time iscompleted (step 614). This is followed by a flow sensing and alarmsubroutine, in which flow rate data values are read from the gas flowsensor 294 as flow counts (step 616). If the flow count is below atleast one predetermined limit, at least one gas flow error alarm isactivated. Specific alarm patterns can be activated in response tospecific shortfalls relative to the predetermined limit (steps 618, 620,622, 623, and 624). If the shortfall is sufficiently great, a changeoversignal is transmitted to the changeover/reservoir pressure monitormodule 274 to cause the opening of the reserve gas reservoir 10 (step626). In this case, the reserve gas reservoir 10′ is flagged as being inan open condition (step 628), and an alarm message is sent to remoteusers via the telephonic module 298 (step 630). If the reserve gasreservoir is already flagged as open, as would be the case for anexhausted reserve gas reservoir, an alarm is sent via the telephonicmodule 298 to warn users of the problem (step 632). If the flow count isnot below at least one predetermined limit, or if the flow alarms havebeen flagged, then the flow count is reset (step 634) and the gas flowrate error alarms are deactivated (steps 636, 638).

A battery status check routine in next initiated, in which batterystatus is read (step 640). If battery charge is below a predeterminedlimit, then at least one battery status alarm indicator is activated,with specific indicators activated in response to specific batterycharge shortfalls (steps 642, 644, 646, and 648). If the battery chargealarm responses have been flagged, the alarm indications are deactivated(step 650). If the battery charge is at or above a predetermined limit,a green battery status is activated (step 652).

If an oxygen sensor 168 is present, then an oxygen concentration andalarm subroutine is next initiated. Oxygen concentration data values areread from the oxygen analyzer module 412 (step 654). If the oxygenconcentration is below at least one predetermined limit, at least oneoxygen concentration error alarm indication is activated, includingaudible and visible oxygen concentration error alarm indicators 422(steps 656 and 657). An oxygen concentration error alarm signal toremote devices and optionally to the changeover/reservoir pressuremonitor module (step 658). If the oxygen concentration is not below atleast one predetermined limit, or if the oxygen alarms have beenflagged, then oxygen concentration alarms are deactivated (steps 660,662), and a data storage subroutine in initiated. A connection to atleast one remote device is established (steps 664 and 666), gas flow andoxygen concentration data and event records are saved in the centralevent memory 282 (step 668) and transmitted, preferably by a Wi-Fi orBluetooth® connection, to a remote device (steps 670, 672). If a resetbutton has been pressed then all flags are reset (steps 673, 674). Thesubroutine then cycles back to the step of reading flow rate data valuesfrom the gas flow sensor 294 (step 616).

An exemplary pressure monitor and reservoir changeover control routineis shown in FIGS. 29A-29C. This routine is triggered when a reservoirchangeover signal is received by changeover/reservoir pressure monitormodule 274. An initialization subroutine is executed, in whichconnection between the changeover/reservoir pressure monitor module 274and other devices in the system 250 is confirmed (step 710) and a presetinitialization time is completed and indicated (steps 712 and 714). Areservoir loading subroutine is next initiated. The loaded or unloadedstatus of the reserve gas cylinder 10′ is determined (step 716), and thereservoir changeover device 252 is actuated to apply appropriate valveopening or valve closing torque to the main valve 38′ to bring thereserve gas cylinder 10′ into an initial closed condition (steps 718 and720). A reserve cylinder status flag is set (step 722). The reservoirchangeover device 252 is actuated to apply valve opening torque to themain valve 38′ of the reserve gas cylinder 10′ in 0.1 second incrementsuntil a threshold pressure is sensed by the reservoir pressure sensor(steps 724 and 726).

A reservoir pressure sensing and alarm subroutine is then initiated.Pressure data values are read from the reservoir pressure sensor as psi(step 728). If the reservoir pressure is below at least onepredetermined limit, a reserve reservoir pressure error signal istransmitted to the communications/flow monitor module 268 (step 730),and at least one reserve reservoir pressure alarm indication isactivated (steps 732, 734). Reservoir pressure data values are alsotransmitted to the communications/flow monitor module (steps 736 and738). The reservoir pressure sensing and alarm subroutine continuesuntil it is determined that a reset, load, or unload button is pressedby a user (step 740). If a reset button has been pressed, then areset/load/unload subroutine is initiated, in which the cylinder statusflag is reset (step 742), and the subroutine cycles back to the step ofdetermining the loaded or unloaded status of the reserve gas cylinder10′ (step 716). If a load or unload button has been pressed, then thereservoir changeover device 252 is actuated to apply valve opening orvalve closing torque to the main valve 38′, depending on which buttonhas been pressed (steps 744 and 746).

Additional routines, such as routines for generating a reservoirchangeover signal in response to a primary reservoir pressure errorsignal, are readily designed by one skilled in the art, according to thepattern set by the previously described routines. Specific steps of thesubroutines can be locked, so that only authorized users such ashospital staff can modify such parameters as alarm threshold settingsand the downloading of data.

The present invention also provides a gripper tube 425 having a grippingendpiece 426, for secure attachment to the outlet of a reservoir of gasor other fluid. As shown in FIG. 30, the gripper tube 425 includes atube member 428 including a tube wall 430 defining a tube lumen 432. Thegripping tube 425 has at least a first free end including the grippingendpiece 426. The gripping endpiece 426 includes a distal annular member434 and a proximal tapering member 436.

The annular member 434 includes an endpiece wall 438 defining anendpiece lumen 440, which has a diameter greater than the diameter ofthe tube lumen 432. The inside surface of the endpiece wall 438 includesa plurality of grooves 444 which define a plurality of ribs 446projecting into the endpiece lumen 440. The ribs 446 provide grippingforce about an outlet inserted into the endpiece lumen 440. The taperingmember 436 includes a tapered wall 446 defining a tapered lumen, 448.The proximal end of the tapered wall 446 is continuous with the tubewall 430, and the distal end of the tapered wall 446 is continuous withthe endpiece wall 438. The diameter of the tapered lumen 448 diminishesproximally, approximating the diameter of the endpiece lumen 440 at itsdistal end, and approximating the diameter of the tube lumen 432 at itsproximal end

The tube member 428 can have a second free end which can include asecond gripping endpiece (not shown) having proportions similar ordissimilar to the previously described endpiece 426. Alternatively, thesecond free end of the tube member 428 can include another endmodification (not shown) or it can be unmodified. The tube member 428can also have no second free end and terminate in another device, suchas a nasal cannula or mask.

The tube member 428 and gripping endpiece 426 can be fabricated as asingle unit, or alternatively can be fabricated separately and assembledinto a gripping tube 425. Assembly include permanent fixation of agripping endpiece 426 to a tube member 428, or a gripping endpiece 426can be reversibly connected to a tube member 428, with the tube wall 430being inserted into the tapered lumen 448 or the tapered wall 446inserted into the tube lumen 432. Alternatively, the tube member andgripping endpiece 426 can be interlocked by any gas or fluid-tightengagement means known in the art.

The tube member 428 and gripping endpiece 426 can be constructed of thesame materials or can be of dissimilar materials. The gripping endpiece426 is preferably composed of a flexible elastic material such toprovide elastic force upon the ribs 444. Suitable flexible materialsinclude but are not limited to silicone, polyvinyl chloride, or athermoplastic elastomer.

The tube member 428 can be composed of either a flexible elasticmaterial, or of a rigid material such as nylon, polycarbonate, or ametal.

Any of the tubing 500 used in the present invention, especially for thefirst upstream gas path 288, the second upstream gas path 290, and thedownstream gas path 292 can have a variety of connector ends 502. Auniversal connector 504 can be used for oxygen shown in FIG. 32 and canbe made of materials such as flexible PVC with a vinyl tip, orpolyolefin. The universal connector 504 can be connected to a flowmeter,regulator, or oxygen concentrator and can be used on any oxygen source.A twist-on nipple 506 can be used made of plastic or metal, as shown inFIG. 31, and is useful for preventing accidental disconnection. AV-shaped end (gripper tube 425 with gripper endpiece 426, shown in FIG.30) can also be used to prevent disconnection. The connector ends 502can also include flanges on an inside surface to help further preventdisconnection (shown at 440, 442, and 444 in FIG. 30, and also referredto as ribs or grooves above). Many oxygen users continually check tomake sure they are receiving oxygen and the connector ends 502 help withpatient safety. The connector ends 502 can be located on a single end ofthe tubing 500 with a device on the opposite end (such as a nasalcannula 510) or on both ends. A cross-sectional view of tubing 500 canbe seen in FIG. 35 with representative dimensions. This cross-sectionalview is of regular tubing designed with ribs 511 that prevent the tubingfrom being pinched together and preventing flow therethrough. Anysuitable size tubing 500 can be used, and any lengths and diameters canbe used depending on the use. The tubing 500 can be made of flexiblepolyvinyl chloride (PVC), crush resistant and flexible PVC, or any othersuitable material. The tubing 500 can also include additional elementssuch as sliding components (lariats) made of polyolefin, luer lockconnectors (male and female, made of rigid thermoplastic), and Yconnectors made of flexible PVC.

Nafion® (PermaPure) tubing 512 can be integrated and operativelyconnected into the tubing 500 just below the nasal cannula 510 (shown inFIGS. 32-34, the Nafion® tubing 512 appears woven compared to theregular tubing 500). Nafion® is a copolymer of polytetrafluoroethyleneand perfluoro-3,6-dioxa-4-methyl-7-octene-sulfonic acid. It ismanufactured as a clear plastic and has unique water absorptionproperties that allow it humidify air or gas. Using Nafion® tubing 512allows oxygen in the tubing 500 to be the same humidity as the room airin the environment. Any of the connector ends 502 described above can beused. The Nafion® tubing 512 can be designed at a width to integratewith wider and thicker CPAP tubing 518 in order to humidify air from aCPAP machine/masks 520, shown in FIGS. 38 and 39. Any suitable sizeNafion® tubing 512 can be used, and any lengths and diameters can beused depending on the use. The Nafion® tubing 512 can also include ribs511 as described above. The advantage of using Nafion® tubing 512 isthat it eliminates the need for a water source to humidify the oxygenflowing to nasal cannulas and CPAP masks. The Nafion® tubing 512automatically humidifies to mimic the environment. Flow rates can bebased on the tubing length and the tubing can last for up to 6 months.Currently used humidification systems are bacteria traps. Using theNafion® tubing 512 in the present invention provides resistance to thegrowth of bacteria and can therefore reduce sinus infections in users,as well as nosebleeds and provides a portable solution.

Humidification of the oxygen in the tubing 500 can alternatively beaccomplished by using a humidification filter 514 operatively connectedthereto, as shown in FIGS. 36 and 37. The humidification filter 514 canbe made of paper or foam and can be impregnated with hygroscopic salts,such as calcium chloride, to aid in the water-retaining capability.Sterile water can be added to moisten the humidification filter 514through a port 516. The humidification filter 514 can include anysuitable antimicrobial agents to reduce the risk of bacteria or fungusand/or the humidification filter 514 can be electrostatic. Thehumidification filter 514 also reduces nosebleeds in users and is aportable solution.

The present invention therefore provides for a method of increasinghumidity in a gas line (downstream gas path) in a gas supply warning andcommunication system described above, by flowing gas through adownstream gas path tubing that increases humidity to an end useappliance. The tubing can either be the Nafion® tubing 512 or the tubing500 with the humidification filter 514 as described above. The end useappliance can be the nasal cannula 510, oxygen mask (not shown) or aCPAP mask 520. The method can further include the steps of reducing sideeffects normally experienced with end use appliances such as nosebleedsand sinus infections.

An ETCO2 sampler or sensor 513 can be integrated with the tubing 500 orNafion® tubing 512, especially with use of the nasal cannula 510 (thenasal cannula 510 can be an ETCO2 nasal cannula having a sampling tubing513 as shown in FIGS. 32 and 33). The ETCO2 sensor 513 can measure theEnd Tital CO2 and these values can determine if the nasal cannula510/oxygen is placed on the user's face correctly. The ETCO2 sensor 513can read, display (on any suitable display), and transmit any necessarydata to the systems of the present invention and is in electroniccommunication with any central microprocessor 270, software, and anyother necessary sensors in the system.

The present invention can also include a changeover flow diverter tubing522, shown in FIG. 40, which is able to receive commands (by anysuitable wireless or wired methods) from the motorized reservoirchangeover device 252. The changeover flow diverter tubing 522 includesone outlet 524 and two inlets 526, 528 that are not open at the sametime. One inlet 526 is in fluid connection with the primary fluidreservoir (primary cylinder 10′) and one inlet 528 is in fluidconnection with the reserve fluid reservoir (reserve gas cylinder ′10).If there is any issue or problem with the primary fluid reservoir, analarm is sent to change to the reserve fluid reservoir. The command cantrigger a flow diverter that changes the flow coming from the primaryfluid reservoir (primary cylinder 10′) to the flow from the reservefluid reservoir (reserve gas cylinder ′10), i.e. closing inlet 526 andopening inlet 528. The changeover flow diverter tubing 522 simplifiesadding the motorized reservoir changeover device 252 to the system andallows for easier changing to a back up fluid supply if needed.

The present invention can further include a pulse oximeter 530 that canmonitor a patient's SPO2 and pulse, as shown in FIG. 41 and in FIG. 47in combination with an oxygen flow monitor 412. A pulse oximeter 530 iscommonly used in respiratory care. A probe 532 is removably attached toa patient's finger 534. The probe 532 can be a reusable finger probe ora disposable sticker probe. The probe 532 measures the oxygen saturationby comparing how much red light and infrared light is absorbed by theblood. The pulse oximeter is in electronic communication with thecentral microprocessor 270 to transmit data to any necessary softwareand display data on a display 536 (either on the pulse oximeter 530 oron any other part of the system).

The regulator 12 can be digital. There are three options to discover,calculate, and display the data of the digital regulator 12. The firstoption is to use sensors to gather the data and send that data to amicrocomputer to be displayed and sent to other devices wirelessly, suchas with Honeywell pressure and flow sensors. The second option is forcameras to do the data gathering but use software to calculate theinformation given by the cameras. The third option is a hybrid of thefirst two options.

The data points that the device needs to discover is oxygen tank size,the pressure of the tank, and the flow rate of the regulator 12. Eachoption has different methods of discovering that information.

Each of the options can use a microcomputer to do the calculation of thedata and display that data, such as the Raspberry Pi 3 Model 3+, whichhas BLUETOOTH® support and with little effort a display can be attachedto the computer (Raspberry Pi, n.d.). It also provides several USBconnections to connect with other microcomputers as necessary along witha camera port (Raspberry Pi, n.d.). The display can be a 4×20 characterLCD display or a larger LCD display using HDMI connection. The 4×20display has minimal functionality for what it can display to the user ofthe device but it has the benefit of cost as those displays aretypically under ten dollars. The HDMI display has the ability to providemore than just data to the user. For example, the color can change onthe display to provide not only text of the current status but alsoprovide a quick warning of when the tank will be running out.

Also similar for each option is the power source. A rechargeable lithiumion battery pack is the preferred method for portable use of the device.It is preferred that the weight of the battery pack does not overlyburden the user. This also limits the amount of time that the device canoperate. A 3000 mAh with a 5 volt USB connector from TalentCell can bepreferred.

Further similar for each option is the oxygen regulator itself, such asone from Medline, n.d. Medline has a full line of regulators frompediatric to adult with the flow rate up to twenty-five liters perminute. The size of the regulators are a great benefit along with theirweight.

First Option with the Sensors.

For the flow rate sensor the best option is HAFUHT0050L4AXT as itprovides several benefits. First, the sensor will go up to a flow rateof 50 liters per minute (Honeywell). It also is a flow through stylewhich allows it to be placed anywhere on the device to make it easy todesign. Another aspect is that it operates on three to ten volts ofpower which is also the same voltage that a Raspberry Pi uses. Also, thedata output is in digital format which allows it to connect to theRaspberry Pi with just a couple of wires. The next sensor required isthe pressure sensor. This sensor can be MLH03KPSxxxA (xxx is the codefor the connector to the regulator and wire setup) as it provides for apressure of up to 3000 PSI, well above what a tank has. The one itemthat makes it troublesome is the device outputs as an analog signal. Theusage of a pressure sensor also allows the Raspberry Pi to determine thesize of the tank with a given time depending on the size of the tankthat it is attached to. A reading of the pressure can be kept then timeit for a minute or more depending on the tank connection. Large bulktanks use a different connection than the smaller portable tanks. Giventhe flow rate is static, the second pressure reading allows a smallprogram to calculate the tank size based on the pressure drop.

As a result, additional computer hardware is necessary as the RaspberryPi does not have the ability to understand an analog signal. Thisrequires a small circuit breadboard and the MCP3008 chip to do theconversion of the analog signal to digital. The display for theRaspberry Pi uses most of the connections that would be required for thesensors so a second Raspberry Pi is required to gather the data from thesensors and pass that along to the main computer, such as Raspberry PiZero WH, as it provides built in GPIO headers preinstalled. With thisbeing a medical application a Wi-Fi connection is needed instead ofRaspberry Pi.

Second Option with Cameras.

This option was thought of first as using a smart phone camera to do thework and have the phone itself do the calculations. Although this stepcould be done a better solution is to have it automatically done withthe regulator 12. This started the process of discovery that there aresoftware packages created already that can read numbers with cameras.The other discovery was the usage of artificial intelligence to read thedial of gauge.

The hardware requirements also require a second Raspberry Pi as theyonly have one camera port. For the flow rate, a Raspberry Pi Zero 1.3can be used as it is minimal in size and has the camera port availablewith some processing power to handle the small amount of code. Twodifferent cameras can be used, one being designed for the Pi Zero andthe other which can be a better quality camera of 8 MP. The one issuewith using a camera for the pressure gauge is the ability to determinethe size of the tank quickly. The cameras can be from a smart phone or aweb cam.

Third Option of a Hybrid of Both Sensor and Camera.

This option can use the camera for detecting the flow rate from a flowrate gauge and the Raspberry Pi Zero WH along with the pressure sensorand the required analog to digital chip/converter to detect thepressure. This combination provides a slightly cheaper option and usesminimal software coding to accomplish the job. This also allows theability to have the tank size be determined automatically by thesoftware within minutes of the flow being started.

In all of these options, some additional cabling and micro SD cards canbe required as well as casing to house the components. The ability ofany of the options for the digital regulator 12 to communicate with amobile device is not impacted by which one is chosen. The Raspberry Pi 3B Plus has built in BLUETOOTH® technology that allows for a simpleapplication (such as app 600) to be installed on the user's smart phonethat allows for the sending of data of when the tank will be emptied.Further refinement of the application can also allow it to providewarnings when the tank is at a critical limit set by the user.

The app 600 can also allow for oxygen tank tracking for tracking fullversus empty tanks. Alerts can be sent to an oxygen supplier based onthe tank levels. Tracking can be automated, with a sensor on the tankand including BLUETOOTH® technology to send signals to other deviceswithin the system 10. The digital regulator 12 also measures the tankstatus by reading the pressure of the tank.

While illustrative embodiments of the invention have been disclosedherein, it is understood that other embodiments and modifications may beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A fluid supply warning and communicationsystem including: a primary reservoir pressure monitor module in fluidtight engagement with an outlet of a primary fluid reservoir, forsensing primary reservoir pressure in a pressurized fluid system, andgenerating a primary reservoir pressure error signal in response tosensing a reservoir pressure data violative of at least onepredetermined pressure limit, said primary reservoir pressure monitormodule in fluid tight engagement with a first upstream path fordirecting fluid from said primary fluid reservoir, said primaryreservoir pressure monitor module not in fluid or mechanical engagementwith said changeover/reservoir pressure monitor, said primary reservoirpressure monitor module including: a primary reservoir pressure sensorfor measuring the fluid pressure of said primary fluid reservoir, andgenerating said primary reservoir pressure data, a reservoir pressureerror signal generator in operative connection with said primaryreservoir pressure sensor, for generating said primary reservoirpressure error signal in response to the receipt of reservoir pressuredata violative of at least one predetermined pressure limit, a pressuremonitor microprocessor in operative connection with said primaryreservoir pressure sensor and said reservoir pressure error signalgenerator, said pressure monitor microprocessor receiving said primaryreservoir pressure data from said primary reservoir pressure sensor, andsaid primary reservoir pressure error signals from said pressure errorsignal generator, a pressure monitor transceiver in operative connectionwith said pressure monitor microprocessor, for electronic communicationwith a compatible central transceiver situated at saidcommunications/flow monitor module, said pressure monitor microprocessorrouting said primary reservoir pressure data and said primary reservoirpressure error signals to said pressure monitor transceiver fortransmission to said central receiver, a communications/flow monitormodule in electronic communication with said primary reservoir pressuremonitor module, for receiving said primary reservoir pressure errorsignal and in response transmitting a reservoir changeover signal to achangeover/reservoir pressure monitor module in fluid tight engagementwith a reserve fluid reservoir in the pressurized fluid system, saidchangeover/reservoir pressure monitor module including a reservoirchangeover device in mechanical engagement with a main valve of saidreserve fluid reservoir, said changeover/reservoir pressure monitormodule actuating said reservoir changeover device to open said reservefluid reservoir to the pressurized fluid system upon receipt of saidchangeover signal, said changeover/reservoir pressure monitor module influid tight engagement with a second upstream path for directing fluidfrom said reserve fluid reservoir, said first and second upstream pathsboth in direct fluid tight engagement with said communications/flowmonitor module, said communications/flow monitor module including acentral microprocessor in operative connection with said centraltransceiver, said central microprocessor receiving said primaryreservoir pressure error signal from said central transceiver and inresponse generating a reservoir changeover signal, said reservoirchangeover signal being routed to central transceiver for transmissionto a changeover transceiver situated at said changeover/reservoirpressure monitor module, a digital display that displays at least one ofpressure, fluid flow rates, and percentage fluid in said primary fluidreservoir and said reserve fluid reservoir, and a user interfaceincluding input buttons for setting alarms, said central microprocessoradditionally in operative connection with said digital display, saidcentral microprocessor driving said digital display to show a reservoirpressure value transmitted from a source selected from said primaryreservoir pressure monitor module and said changeover/reservoir pressuremodule; and a digital regulator in fluid tight engagement with saidprimary fluid reservoir.
 2. The fluid supply warning and communicationsystem of claim 1, wherein said digital regulator includes amicrocomputer, BLUETOOTH® communication, a display, a power source, anda fluid regulator.
 3. The fluid supply warning and communication systemof claim 2, wherein said digital regulator includes a flow rate sensorand a pressure sensor in electronic communication with saidmicrocomputer for detecting flow rate and pressure data.
 4. The fluidsupply warning and communication system of claim 3, further including ananalog to digital convertor for converting analog sensor signals todigital signals.
 5. The fluid supply warning and communication system ofclaim 2, wherein said digital regulator includes at least one camera inelectronic communication with said microcomputer for reading flow rateand pressure gauges.
 6. The fluid supply warning and communicationsystem of claim 5, wherein said at least one camera is chosen from thegroup consisting of a smart phone and a web cam.
 7. The fluid supplywarning and communication system of claim 2, wherein said digitalregulator includes a pressure sensor for detecting pressure data and acamera for reading flow rate gauge in electronic communication with saidmicrocomputer.
 8. The fluid supply warning and communication system ofclaim 7, further including an analog to digital convertor for convertinganalog sensor signals to digital signals.
 9. The fluid supply warningand communication system of claim 2, wherein said digital regulator isin electronic communication with an application stored on non-transitorycomputer readable memory and provides warnings when said primary fluidreservoir is at a critical limit set by a user.
 10. A method of usingthe fluid supply warning and communication system of claim 1, includingthe steps of: flowing a fluid from a primary fluid reservoir to an enduse appliance; and detecting flow rate and pressure of the fluid with adigital regulator.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein said detectingstep is performed by a method chosen from the group consisting of usinga flow rate sensor and a pressure sensor, using at least one camera andreading flow rate and pressure gauges, and using a pressure sensor and acamera for reading a flow rate gauge.
 12. A gas supply warning andcommunication system including: a communication/oxygen monitor module indirect gas tight engagement with a first upstream gas path from aprimary gas reservoir, in direct gas tight engagement with a secondupstream gas path from a reserve gas reservoir, and in gas tightengagement with a downstream gas path toward at least one end useappliance, a changeover/reservoir pressure monitor module including areservoir changeover device in mechanical engagement with a main valveof said reserve gas reservoir, and in electronic communication with saidcommunications/flow monitor module, wherein said communication/oxygenmonitor module includes in an oxygen flow monitor having a digitaldisplay that displays at least one of pressure, gas flow rates, andpercentage gas in said primary gas reservoir and said reserve gasreservoir, and a user interface including input buttons for settingalarms, wherein said oxygen flow monitor monitors SpO2, flow rate, pulserate, and battery level; and a digital regulator in fluid tightengagement with said primary gas reservoir, including a microcomputer,BLUETOOTH® communication, a display, a power source, and a gasregulator, and a mechanism for detecting flow rate and pressure datachosen from the group consisting of a flow rate sensor and a pressuresensor in electronic communication with said microcomputer, at least onecamera in electronic communication with said microcomputer for readingflow rate and pressure gauges, and a pressure sensor for detectingpressure data and a camera for reading a flow rate gauge in electroniccommunication with said microcomputer.
 13. The gas supply warning andcommunication system of claim 12, wherein a user can set thresholdvalues for flow rate, SpO2, and pulse rate and said oxygen flow monitorincludes a visual or audio notification mechanism that activates whenmeasurements are outside of said threshold values.
 14. The gas supplywarning and communication system of claim 12, wherein gas supply warningand communication system automatically adjusts flow rate based onmeasured SpO2.
 15. The gas supply warning and communication system ofclaim 12, wherein said oxygen flow monitor is in electroniccommunication with an application stored on non-transitory computerreadable media, and sends data chosen from the group consisting ofoxygen flow rate, flow rate set limits, SpO2, pulse, tank count, andnotification conditions to said application.
 16. The gas supply warningand communication system of claim 15, wherein parameters of said oxygenflow monitor are adjustable through a method chosen from the groupconsisting of said application, a remote BLUETOOTH® device, andcombinations thereof.
 17. The gas supply warning and communicationsystem of claim 12, wherein said oxygen flow monitor includes BLUETOOTH®communication.
 18. The gas supply warning and communication system ofclaim 12, wherein a remote BLUETOOTH® device measures SPO2 and pulserate and sends data to said oxygen flow monitor for display, and saidoxygen flow monitor tracks battery levels, oxygen flow rate, and tankstatus.
 19. The gas supply warning and communication system of claim 12,wherein said oxygen flow monitor includes video and audio communicationmechanisms for allowing remote communication with patients.
 20. The gassupply warning and communication system of claim 12, wherein saidmechanism for detecting flow rate and pressure data is said flow ratesensor and said pressure sensor and further including an analog todigital convertor for converting analog sensor signals to digitalsignals.
 21. The gas supply warning and communication system of claim12, said mechanism for detecting flow rate and pressure data is said atleast one camera, and wherein said at least one camera is chosen fromthe group consisting of a smart phone and a web cam.
 22. The gas supplywarning and communication system of claim 12, wherein said mechanism fordetecting flow rate and pressure data is said pressure sensor and saidcamera, and further including an analog to digital convertor forconverting analog sensor signals to digital signals.
 23. The gas supplywarning and communication system of claim 12, wherein said digitalregulator is in electronic communication with an application stored onnon-transitory computer readable memory and provides warnings when saidprimary fluid reservoir is at a critical limit set by a user, andincludes a tank tracking mechanism for tracking empty and full tanks.24. The gas supply warning and communication system of claim 12, whereinsaid downstream gas path further includes Nafion® tubing thatautomatically humidifies to mimic an environment and provides resistanceto growth of bacteria.
 25. The gas supply warning and communicationsystem of claim 24, wherein said Nafion® tubing is operatively connectedto a device chosen from the group consisting of a nasal cannula, oxygenmask, and a CPAP mask.
 26. The gas supply warning and communicationsystem of claim 12, further including a pulse oximeter for monitoring apatient's SPO2 and/or pulse in electronic communication with saidcentral microprocessor.
 27. A method of using the gas supply warning andcommunication system of claim 12, including the steps of: flowing oxygenfrom a primary gas reservoir to an end use appliance; measuring SpO2,flow rate, pulse rate, and battery levels; and detecting flow rate andpressure of the gas with a digital regulator by a method chosen from thegroup consisting of using a flow rate sensor and a pressure sensor,using at least one camera and reading flow rate and pressure gauges, andusing a pressure sensor and a camera for reading a flow rate gauge. 28.The method of claim 27, further including the steps of setting thresholdvalues for flow rate, SpO2, and pulse rate and providing a visual oraudio notification that activates when measurements are outside of thethreshold values.
 29. The method of claim 27, further including the stepof automatically or manually adjusting the flow rate based on measuredSpO2.
 30. The method of claim 27, further including the step of sendingdata chosen from the group consisting of oxygen flow rate, flow rate setlimits, SpO2, pulse, tank count, and notification conditions to anapplication stored on non-transitory computer readable media.
 31. Themethod of claim 27, further including the step of adjusting parametersof the oxygen flow monitor with a mechanism chosen from the groupconsisting of an application, a BLUETOOTH® device, and combinationsthereof.
 32. The method of claim 27, further including the step ofmeasuring SPO2 and pulse rate with a remote BLUETOOTH® device andsending data to the oxygen flow monitor for display, and trackingbattery levels, oxygen flow rate, and tank status with the oxygen flowmonitor.
 33. The method of claim 27, further including the step ofcommunication with a patient remotely by video and audio communicationmechanisms.
 34. The method of claim 27, further including the step oftracking tank levels and sending alerts to an individual chosen from thegroup consisting of oxygen supplier, caregiver, and combinationsthereof.